NEW YORK — Brooklyn Nets forward Terance Mann has been in the NBA long enough to have seen almost everything that the league can throw at a player. However, with Mann heading into his first training camp in his hometown of Brooklyn, he is experiencing a situation that is new to him after six seasons of competing for championships almost every single year.
“It’s a lot different for me, just being the oldest guy on the team. Usually I’m one of the youngest,” Mann said following Thursday’s training camp practice. Mann, who will turn 29 years old before the regular season starts, is not only the oldest players on the team, but he is tied with two other veterans, center Nic Claxton and forward Michael Porter Jr., for the most experienced on the roster.
“So, just a different outlook on everything, just trying to lead these young guys on what to do, what not to do,” Mann continued before explaining that the younger players are ready to go. “Nothing too crazy. Honestly, these guys were playing professional basketball before they got here, so they kind of know what to expect for the most part. So, these guys are pretty much locked in.”
For someone like Mann, he has spent most of his career playing for a championship during his time with the Los Angeles Clippers before being traded to the Atlanta Hawks midway through last season. The former Florida State Seminole has already carved out his 3-and-D role in the NBA, but he also took a trip down memory lane to express what he is trying to teach the young guys.
“I think just different areas and where you can not relax, but to calm down in different areas, where to be on the court, defensively,” Mann said of what he wishes he knew coming into the league. With head coach Jordi Fernandez heading into his second season as the head man, it helps to have veterans like Mann on the roster that can contribute on the floor with their play while showing the younger players the ropes with his wisdom.