Gary Trent Jr. is like a serene vessel in a storm.
The 22-year-old Gary Trent Jr., who was the youngest player on the team’s 2020–21 roster, came to the Raptors with a reputation for defense that Portland supporters advised against and a respectable three-point shooting ability. Since Trent Jr. joined the Raptors in the Norman Powell deal, there have been a variety of expectations placed on him.
Lofty comparisons are inevitable for any shooting guard who scores the ball proficiently, and Trent Jr. is no exception. Although it seems absurd, Bradley Beal was the most frequent reference for Trent Jr. in his early career. It became apparent early in his second campaign with the franchise, coinciding with Trent Jr.’s ascent into the top 5 of the NBA’s DPOY standings. What in late 2021 drove this? Exceptionally strong off-the-bounce shooting, intense ball pressure defensively, and a ton of risky plays that he frequently made. Trent Jr.’s performance during that season would truly reach a peak during his tenure as a Raptor, which is why his recent actions seem so familiar.
Trent Jr. has seen a significant increase in minutes, usage, shot attempts, touches, and pretty much everything since the Raptors returned from their All-Star break. Due to the Raptors’ extreme injuries, there is a huge chance for anyone who wants to create or take shots to do so. Trent Jr. assumed that role—or at least a big portion of it—and we’ve seen a player who gradually saw his opportunities decrease in years two and three before drastically changing in years four to regain all the skills he previously displayed on the floor. He started off with 18.3, went down to 17.4, and is currently down to 12.7 points per game. This was a fundamental shift in the team environment rather than a decline in skill set.
“I have an incredible opportunity to play in the NBA. It is an excellent league. “Just because I may be sitting here, playing and not playing, benched and not benched, opportunity gone or opportunity here, I just keep working,” Trent Jr. said to me. Try to be a good teammate and control what I am able to control. Aim to be a decent person or player. Go forth and make every effort to assist me win as much as you can. That’s really all I have on my mind at this point.
The NBA, being a cap league sport, distributes more money to players throughout the league because we are undoubtedly in the era of player empowerment. That being said, non-star players are more likely than ever to be traded between teams and roles. Despite possessing a talent set that makes him a valuable member of the team, Trent Jr. has faced a variety of opinions regarding these Raptors. His ability to take a hit, focus on his personal and professional impact on his teammates, and maintain consistency in his actions as the team continues to play inconsistently? He merits a great deal of recognition.
He has been the obvious occupant of the Gary Trent Jr. role on the Raptors, to use an example. However, Trent Jr. is not the only one who can fill that position. The Raptors lacked any kind of shooting, particularly pull-up shooting, which greatly increased Trent Jr.’s number of shots, role, and significance on the club. He had no competition for that role going into this season or before, and the Raptors couldn’t expect anyone to fight for it or fill it. Though I don’t think it was expected that Gradey Dick would replace Trent Jr. entirely, his draft selection does indicate that the Raptors are at least making an effort to add players with skill sets that can at least partially (and pretty consistently) replace what Trent Jr. has been able to produce.
To be really honest, I think I could do a lot to support (the younger guys). Not a single aspect of the NBA has escaped my notice. After scoring the most points of the season, Trent Jr. stated. Take Scottie Barnes, for instance. He entered the league knowing exactly who he was and would become, with everything thrown at him. Glitz, glitter, and lights. I moved behind the bench, away from it. I have worn a suit. I have indeed been on the court. I had been a novice. I have played the back bench, therefore I have touched and participated in every aspect of the game. That, in my opinion, merely benefits me. How to approach and manage situations. Simply said, every scenario I’ve encountered over my work.
People typically divide into two groups when discussing culture, teambuilding, or the junction of the two: vibes and money. Achieving the right balance between the two can be challenging, but once you do, you’ll have a tasty stew on your hands.
Kelly Olynyk is a bit of a controversial pick because he’s a seasoned veteran who can be relied upon, a player who can aid in the development of younger players within Darko’s system, and a purported locker room chemist. It’s difficult to overlook the tricky circumstances surrounding Trent Jr.’s contract status, but it’s also simple to see how skillfully he’s handled everything. Although it is not the Raptors’ responsibility to place Trent Jr. in the best possible position to succeed, it is impossible to ignore the drastic offensive overhaul that occurred after the trade deadline in 2022–2023 and which severely limited his earning potential. He has mentored the highly-regarded rookie player for the Raptors, who might eventually replace him, throughout this contract year, and he has dropped over one-third of his shots.
Recently, perhaps? He has been a scorer who has led them through games and a tough defender who has applied pressure when the ball is in play. Most importantly, perhaps? He has been leading by example for the other players. Either way, he is ready to fulfill whatever request made of him.