Tre Mann was a forgotten man in Oklahoma City. That’s not so with the Charlotte Hornets

Leaning against a wall, Tre Mann ponders the whirlwind he’s experienced over the past few weeks going from the Midwest to the South.

Settling in hasn’t been a problem for the 23-year-old point guard since he was traded to the Charlotte Hornets from Oklahoma City in an NBA deadline deal that sent Gordon Hayward packing after three disappointing seasons.

“I think I’m fitting in pretty well,” Mann said. “I’m just coming out, trying to play hard around a bunch of talented guys. We’ve all got really good IQ, so it’s easy playing with guys like that. I think I’m playing well. I’m just trying to show off my playmaking ability as much as I can and it’s been fun.”

With the Hornets’ star point guard still nursing a sprained right ankle, Mann has turned out to be a much-needed breath of fresh air. Although LaMelo Ball practiced with the team in Salt Lake City on Wednesday as the Hornets prepared for Thursday’s game with Utah at the Delta Center — and is progressing in his treatment and rehab — he remains out against the Jazz and will miss his 12th straight game.

Ball is doing on-court activity and increasing his workload daily, The Observer has learned. While he gets healthy, Mann has stepped in more than admirably. He had nine assists in his first game — a spirited victory over Memphis on Feb. 10 — quickly displaying his ability to be an effective facilitator.

Mann posted season highs in points (21), field goals made (seven), 3-pointers made (four) and free throws made (three) in the Hornets’ last outing before the All-Star break. He’s already developed a fan in Steve Clifford.

“He’s diligent,” the Hornets coach said “It shows thought and it shows he’s going home and saying, ‘I want to be on top of stuff.’ I think for him, a lot of it is just confidence, getting a chance to play regularly.”

And Mann is relishing every second of it.

“Yeah, I feel like a good team starts with a good point guard, getting guys in spots,” he said. “I don’t know any plays and stuff yet, but once I get familiar with everything, I want to have that job to get guys in spots, get guys going, find out what guys are better at what situations and which plays.

“But right now I’m just going out there trying to show I’m willing to make the right pass, and then once I learn everything then I’ll be trying to organize guys more.”

The Observer caught up with Mann to chat about how he’s assimilated himself rather seamlessly into the Hornets’ fabric in only a handful of games.

Roderick Boone: What’s it been like playing with Brandon Miller and Miles Bridges?

Tre Mann: It’s been easy. They are super talented. Brandon, Miles, Nick (Richards), they are super talented. And to have new guys come in and they just be so welcoming, I don’t think that’s like really normal. I came in starting first game. That could be tough for some guys, but you don’t see it out there. Guys are just trying to play winning basketball and that’s what I feel like it’s all about.

RB: Following the trade, a couple of people told The Observer you could wind up being a really good piece and addition to the team. When you hear people say you can make a name for yourself, how does that make you feel?

TM: It’s just a testament to my hard work. Really I think people see that, especially from OKC. Everybody around that organization always complimented me on my hard work. It just a testament to that, me being able to come out and show my God given talent is a blessing. So that’s what I want to keep doing, just coming out and not really focusing on what the media or everybody else is saying. It’s more for myself and the team.

RB: What’s it been like getting acclimated to your new environment since the trade?

TM: Yeah I’ve got a family back at home. That’s the first thing I (settled once I got) back. So I’ll probably go to OKC, try to get some stuff packed up, get it here, get my wife and my son situated either in Florida or get them here. It’s no rush for that. I just want to make sure they are comfortable wherever they are at, and then try to find a living situation (in Charlotte).

RB: What about that aspect of being traded to a new locale, having to also worry about your family as you get adjusted to this situation? How tough is that?

TM: Yeah, it’s super tough. I just had a son (two) weeks ago, and I know it’s tough on my wife. She’s there by herself. She told me to come here and focus, lock in on basketball. It’s still a job at the end of the day and you’ve got to do what you’ve got to do for the family. And that’s the mindset — just doing whatever I’ve got to do for the family.

RB: What are your thoughts on LaMelo Ball and what’s it been like being around him and all his energy?

TM: I’ve played against him many times and he’s had good games against us. But I think we can really play well together, I think he can play a little bit off ball and I can do the same. So, it’s his team and I’m going to adjust to whatever is better for him. For right now, I’m just trying to go out there and play team ball.