Caris LeVert, Georges Niang, Terance Mann Discuss New Hoops Life With Hawks

February 8, 2025

The Atlanta Hawks introduced their newest additions — Caris LeVert, Georges Niang and Terance Mann — in a press conference that emphasized NBA leadership, experience, and a commitment to winning. Each spoke about his excitement to join the Hawks and how he hoped to contribute.

LeVert and Niang were acquired in the De’Andre Hunter trade with the Cavaliers, Mann in the Bogdan Bogdanovic deal with the Clippers.

Winning Mentality and Veteran Leadership

The trio brings valuable experience from successful teams, and Niang made it clear that their collective mindset is centered on success.

“We’ve all won at extreme levels in different places and this is a great opportunity for us to come in and share and expose that,” he told reporters in Atlanta.

Both Niang and LeVert stressed the importance of daily habits in fostering a winning culture. Having been part of the NBA-leading Cavaliers, they clearly recognize the significance of preparation and discipline.

“Everyday habits are super important,” LeVert said. “What time do you get to the building every day? What time are you getting your treatments in? What time are you getting your lifts in?

“Pre-game and pre-practice shooting time. I think all those things matter. Those are all things we took into account in Cleveland.”

Niang agreed.

“We had a young core over there (with the Cavs),” he said. “You look at the young core that is here and want to lead by example. (It’s important) to be an everyday kind of guy and not a sometimes guy.”

Niang Reuniting with Snyder

Niang expressed his excitement about playing under Hawks coach Quin Snyder again, highlighting the coach’s ability to instill confidence in his players. The two were previously together with the Utah Jazz.

“I’m super excited to get back and involved with a team that’s coached by him,” Niang said. “The way he breathes confidence in his players is second to none.”

He also emphasized Snyder’s innovative approach, noting that the coach focuses on solving problems rather than merely replicating what has worked for other teams.

Mann’s Homecoming

For Mann, returning to the East Coast is a significant personal milestone.

“I’m super excited, me and my family are in the same time zone for the first time in six years,” he said.

Beyond the personal aspect, Mann aims to bring passion, energy, and a strong will to win to the Hawks.

What They Offer

When asked about their expected contributions, each player provided a clear vision of their role:

LeVert: Versatility on both ends of the floor, defensive intensity in guarding the ball and pick-and-roll situations, and professionalism.
Niang: Shooting, veteran leadership, and enthusiasm.
Mann: Passion, energy, and a relentless desire to win.

Goals for Atlanta

Niang concluded the press conference with a direct and ambitious statement about the group’s objectives.

“Playoffs,” he said. “If there’s one thing we all hang our hat on it’s being winners.”

The Hawks are looking to leverage their new additions to build a winning culture and push for postseason success. With veteran leadership, defensive versatility, and added shooting, Atlanta is positioning itself to be a more disciplined and competitive team moving forward.

Atlanta entered Saturday at 24-28, ninth in the NBA East standings.