What the Vasilije Micic Signing Could Mean for Tre Mann

The off-season is in full swing with the NBA draft completed, free agency underway and Summer League fast approaching. Oklahoma City hasn’t wasted time being active in the market.

The Thunder haven’t done a lot, but they have made impactful moves, trading for Victor Oladipo and two second round picks from the Heat and signing Australian Jack White but the biggest move they’ve made was signing former Euro League MVP Vasilije Micic to a three-year deal.

The deal is the twenty-nine-year-old’s first NBA contract and he comes over to the league with solid expectations. He should be able to compete for a role off the bench immediately.

With that though, one of the guard spots in the rotation will have to be vacated. The Thunder have now added two guards who will likely play vital roles off of the bench this upcoming season. Micic and Cason Wallace will both be looking for good minutes off the bench, and could both get them. With the impending roster crunch that could leave Tre Mann as the odd guard out coming into his third off-season with the team.

Mann struggled last season after showing potential in his rookie year. Mann’s role slowly dwindled last season, and with OKC’s roster being overloaded with guards there aren't minutes for all of them.

For Mann he does get the benefit of playing in the Summer League. The extra reps will be big for him as he can show his abilities in more than just off season practices and preseason games. It will also give him more one-on-one instruction from coaches.

It’s possible for Mann to regain his role with OKC, but does have an uphill battle to stay on the roster as OKC faces a roster crunch with an overloaded room of guards. 

Want to join the discussion? Like Inside the Thunder on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to stay up to date on all the latest Thunder news. You can also meet the team behind the coverage.