Atlanta Hawks star Trae Young is a masterful table setter, and while his latest endeavor – becoming the assistant general manager of his alma mater’s basketball program – was not the first of its kind, it was a trail-blazing moment for the four-time All-Star.
It was also just the first for the Hawks.
More than one month after Terance Mann became Young’s teammate following his trade from the Los Angeles Clippers, the former is following the Hawks star’s executive decision.
“New Florida State head basketball coach Luke Loucks will name Atlanta Hawks forward Terance Mann as the program’s assistant general manager, league sources inform me,” “Haynes Briefs” host Chris Haynes reported on X on April 3.
Mann, 28, is averaging 9.7 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in 24 games with the Hawks.
He is shooting 40.3% from beyond the arc, the third-best among Hawks players with double-digit appearances in that span.
Young spoke about wanting to make a difference when discussing his decision with ESPN’s Malika Andrews. Again, Mann’s move may have been in the works long before Young’s was announced.
It is still a trend-starter for the Hawks.
Trae Young has accepted a role with Oklahoma as an assistant GM for the men's basketball program, he announced on NBA Today with @malika_andrews.
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) March 31, 2025
Making a difference with his alma mater 👏 pic.twitter.com/FeJNFbsKZW
Trae Young touts Terance Mann, Hawks’ new additions
Young has also been high on Mann since the latter arrived before the trade deadline, touting his playoff pedigree along with the Hawks’ other additions.
“It’s nowhere below the playoffs. That’s got to be our focus,” Young said during the “From The Point” podcast in February. “When we made these moves, and we got guys, obviously, from the Cavs – who were the No. 1 team at the time. And then you bring in T-Mann who’s – I don’t even think he’s ever not been in the playoffs. You got winners around you, so it’s like you got to win. You got to be in the playoffs, so that’s our main focus.”
To that end, their recent 1-4 stretch is especially disappointing.
The Hawks have slid out of the No. 7 seed with the Orlando Magic taking over and have a tenuous hold on the No. 8 spot with the Miami Heat lurking. Righting the ship – and fast – is critical, even with a postseason spot secured.
Mann has posted a 10.2/2.4/1.6 line in that five-game span, which suggests other issues for the Hawks as they slide.
Mann’s new role will likely mostly involve recruit relations, just as Young’s does.
With two players holding these positions now, the Hawks are the first team with multiple active players holding such roles. The only other team with even one is the Golden State Warriors, with Stephen Curry at Davidson, putting Mann and Young in exclusive company.