There’s a reason EVERY team that has tried to trade with the Clippers has asked for Mann (Philly, Brooklyn, Toronto, etc.). He is a WINNING player. Is he gonna get 15+ every night? No. But he plays very good D, he boxes out, hits the occasional 3, pushes the pace, helps keep Kawhi’s legs fresh by guarding the other teams best perimeter player, etc. Harden and Mann are gonna SAVE Kawhi’s legs this season long term on the offensive and defensive end. Mann isn’t gonna put up insane numbers, but he’s a winning player. From the 60’s to now the big dawgs always get all the credit when winning chips, but there’s a reason in their HOF speeches and post career they speak glowingly of their teammates that do the little things like Mann does. You don’t win chips without these guys.
I am pro Mann appreciation, but I don’t understand the “save Kawhi” takes (not just here but in general). If he can’t hold up in the regular season, what makes people think he’ll hold up in the playoffs when he needs to play 35-40mina per game, against tougher defenses and will be required to play better defense himself.