Terance Mann, the son of Caribbean immigrants from St. Lucia, is returning to Brooklyn after nearly three decades. Born in Brooklyn 28 years ago, Mann spent his early childhood near the current site of Barclays Center, the Nets’ home arena. Now rejoining the Brooklyn Nets, he’s excited to reconnect with the city where he grew up and bring his experience to a young rebuilding team.
Early Life and Neighborhood Memories
For the first 11 years of his life, Mann lived just blocks from where Barclays Center now stands. He fondly recalls walking through the Flatbush and Atlantic Avenue area as a child, curious about the emerging arena and its significance to the borough.
“I used to walk around the area before Barclays was even built. I used to be around there, walking around, always asking, like, ‘What are they building here?’ My mom’s like ‘I think Jay-Z is bringing the Nets from New Jersey.’ That was the talk in Brooklyn at the time. So, it’s just crazy to be able to see it.”
—Terance Mann
Although Mann and his family moved to Lowell, Massachusetts, by the time the arena opened in 2012, the opportunity to play for his hometown team carries a special meaning for him.
“Great. Man, it’s just crazy to think about. I grew up around there.”
he told Nets writers in Las Vegas.
“(I remember) just walking around. I went to school around the area. I would always go to Juniors, get some cheesecake; just different random stuff, playing with friends, walking around with my little brother while my mom was in practice, and just being at LIU Brooklyn a lot. Those are really my main memories.”
—Terance Mann
How Mann Joined the Brooklyn Nets
Terance Mann arrived in Brooklyn as part of a three-team trade involving the Boston Celtics and Atlanta Hawks centered around Kristaps Porzingis. The Nets acquired Mann and the 22nd overall pick in last month’s draft, which they used to select 6’7” wing Drake Powell from the University of North Carolina.
The trade cost Brooklyn only $1.1 million in cash considerations, with no additional picks or special contract conditions. Brooklyn now carries the remainder of Mann’s contract valued at $47 million over the next three seasons.
Leadership Role on a Young Team
At 6’5”, Mann brings veteran experience to a Nets roster that is anticipated to be among the youngest in the NBA this season, featuring seven players aged between 19 and 21. As the oldest player, Mann expects to serve as a mentor for the fledgling group.
“For sure. I’m the oldest on the team. Yeah, so definitely,”
said Mann about his role.
“It’s definitely new for me coming from the Clippers, where guys were a lot older than me. So, it’s an adjustment for me, for sure. But I’m excited to embrace the journey, taking these guys under my wing, showing them how to be professionals.”
—Terance Mann
Mann’s NBA Experience and Role Expectations
Before joining Brooklyn, Mann played for the Los Angeles Clippers, a team recently transformed into one of the NBA’s oldest following their acquisition of Bradley Beal. Mann’s career has had ups and downs; he reached a career-high average of 10.8 points per game during the Clippers’ run to the Western Conference finals in 2021-22 but saw a slight drop in production subsequently. He was a reliable presence, starting 71 of 75 games in the 2022-23 season and signed a $47 million contract extension last September.
During the 2022-23 season, Mann lost his rotation spot with the Clippers and was traded to the Atlanta Hawks, where his scoring and shooting efficiency improved. In 30 games with Atlanta, Mann averaged 9.8 points, shooting 54 percent from the field and an efficient 39 percent from three-point range.
Comparison and Potential Fit Within the Nets
Nets fans might look to Mann as a similar asset to DeMarre Carroll, a versatile 3-and-D wing the team acquired in 2017. Carroll, who was 31 at the time and owed $30 million on his contract, became a vital contributor during Brooklyn’s earlier rebuilding phase, averaging 12.3 points and 5.3 rebounds over 140 games.
Mann’s precise role is still to be determined as the Nets face a crowded roster, especially on the wing positions. According to Brian Lewis from the New York Post,
“Mann can get minutes at the 2 or 3. But with the Nets have a plethora of rookies to groom on the perimeter — Powell, Egor Demin, Ben Saraf”
—Brian Lewis
The Nets also have multiple wings with non-guaranteed contracts, including Dariq Whitehead, Tyrese Martin, Keon Johnson, and Jalen Wilson, making the competition for playing time intense.
Mann’s Commitment to Leadership and Adaptability
When discussing his expected contributions to the Nets’ rebuilding efforts, Mann emphasized his intent to lead both on and off the court.
“Just lead as best I can, that’s really one of the main focuses I’m going to try and take on with this group,”
he said.
“And then on the court, whatever coach wants me to do, I’m going to do. I’ve always been that type of player. So just being excited for it.”
—Terance Mann
Returning to Brooklyn with Family Support
Terance Mann’s arrival coincides with the return to his roots, where his family, including his mother and younger brother, can once again watch him play close to home. His journey from a boy curious about the Nets’ move to Brooklyn to becoming a veteran leader on the team symbolizes a compelling full-circle story for the player and the franchise alike.