NBA Draft 2021: Knicks' Touted Derrick Rose 'Heir' Could Go To Nets – Report

The New York Knicks might not be the favorites to land a potential Derrick Rose heir apparent in the upcoming NBA Draft, a report has suggested.

Tre Mann has been generating quite a lot of buzz ahead of the 2021 NBA Draft happening on July 29.

In recent weeks, the Knicks were heavily favored to land Mann at the no. 21, but according to CBS Sports’ Kyle Boone’s latest mock draft, the former Florida Gators point guard could wind up joining the Brooklyn Nets with the 27th pick.

Prior to Boone’s report, Mann was predicted to be a good fit for the Knicks. His remarkable performancs with the Gators have had NBA Draft experts raving about his backcourt game.

Sports Illustrated's Jeremy Woo earlier suggested that Mann could be a suitable successor to Rose in New York.

“The Knicks have some additional flexibility entering the draft,” Woo wrote. “Expect New York to try and build on a successful year and keep improving the roster, after more or less crossing the threshold from rebuilding to competing. They’ll almost certainly explore their options with these picks.”

“But the Knicks have a clear need for a lead guard in the long run, with Immanuel Quickley more functionally a combo and Derrick Rose in the last phase of his career,” he added. “[Tre] Mann has real offensive ability and showed signs of breaking out toward the end of the season, with a smooth handle and pull-up game to go with ideal size for his position.”

USA Today’s Scott Gleeson also sees the 20-year-old possibly taking his A game to the Knicks after proving himself to be an exceptional player with the Gators.

“Mann is the type of point guard who can play on and off the ball, which could be a nice fit in New York,” Gleeson wrote. “He shot 40% from beyond the arc at Florida and is used to a physical style.”

Aside from the Knicks, an earlier report suggested that the Golden State Warriors could also utilize Mann’s qualities should the Dubs pick him at no. 7 or 14.

Mann’s unique desire to channel the likes of Stephen Curry has made him a possible understudy of the three-time NBA champion.

“I watch Trae Young, Damian Lillard, Stephen Curry, Bradley Beal, Devin Booker and CJ McCollum, guys like that who are crafty and can create their own shots; the same type of game I have,” Mann told Pacers.com during his pre-draft workout.

“I feel like I’m a wiggle player, can get to my spots and beat a guy off the dribble whether I’m shooting from deep or getting to the rim,” he added. “I feel like I do pretty well.”