Hornets restricted free agent Tre Mann has fully recovered from his back disc herniation, ESPN’s Shams Charania reports (Twitter link). He has participated in all of Charlotte’s offseason activity and 5-on-5 scrimmages after playing in just 13 games last season.
The Hornets, who hold his Bird rights, must make a $6,964,982 qualifying offer to prevent Mann from becoming unrestricted. Mann’s cap hold totals $14,725,119.
Shortly after the season, coach Charles Lee voiced a strong opinion about Mann’s ability to impact the team.
“Tre, he’s a phenomenal player, even better teammate and person,” Lee said. *“…He’s just such a great talent. So, to miss him to out there and his skill set was definitely unfortunate. But also, to just have him around on the court, vocally or at practice or teaching guys — because he does have such a high basketball IQ. But, yeah, I think he brings so much value. It’ll be nice to have him back in the mix hopefully next year.*”
Here’s more on the Hornets:
The franchise has been spinning its wheels for the better part of a decade. How can they finally turn things around? Hunter Bailey of the Charlotte Observer takes a closer at the Pistons, Magic and Timberwolves and how those franchise emerged from trips to the lottery to become playoff contenders.
Patrick Chasse has been hired by the Hornets to serve as the new vice president of medical and performance, Roderick Boone of the Charlotte Observer reports. Lee, a former Celtics assistant, is quite familiar with Chasse. The latter spent the last five years with Boston, most recently as its head athletic trainer/physical therapist. Trent Salo, who was originally hired into that job last July, shifted to a consultant role.
ICYMI, Josh Green underwent shoulder surgery last week. Get the details here.