For someone that came into the season with a lot to prove, Gary Trent Jr. has silenced a lot of doubters. The shutdown of his detractors has brought forth another topic that hasn’t been discussed: is there another level he can get to?
He was drafted 37th overall by the Kings in 2018, immediately traded to Portland, and played sparingly in his first season. 7.4 minutes across 15 games was all he received to prove his worth. But to be fair, he was a rookie two-guard behind the likes of CJ McCollum and Damian Lillard. So, how much opportunity was there for him? Very little, unless he morphed into a Draymond Green-type of player.
He didn’t become that defensive ace and continued to back up the two-headed monster in Portland. However, he progressed in other ways over his next two seasons, and in 2021 he found himself in a Raptors uniform with the opportunity for a larger role. In the 17 games he played for Toronto during the 2020-21 campaign, there were several question marks regarding his game. But two in particular:
- When is he going to drive?
- Will he play defense?
So far, he’s answered both of those with a resounding “now” and “better than you think”, respectively. The time he took to improve his game on both ends, but specifically defensively, has impressed his coaches and peers. During his time with Toronto, GTJ has only come off the bench three times and the numbers are an eye sore. When averaged out, here’s how he did:
- 5 points per contest
- 6/26 from the field (23%)
- 2/12 from deep (17%)
- 20 minutes per contest
These are his numbers in 54 starts with the Dinos:
- 18.2 points
- 3.1 rebounds
- 1.7 assists
- 1.63 steals
- 42% FG shooting (362/852)
- 39% 3FG (169/432)
- 34.3 minutes per game
Based on the numbers, he’s unquestionably more productive as a starter. But it’s not these stats which showcase his evolution into a legitimate two-way wing. Instead, it’s his focus and determination (his hustle stats). He’s not taking his role for granted and he’s seizing the opportunity. In a league where “three-and-D” wings are like caviar, he’s putting his name in that exact category.
Hustle stats from March 26th, 2021, to April 18th, 2021, with Toronto as a starter:
- 2.4 deflections (43rd), 29 total (34th)
- 0.8 loose balls recovered (103rd), 9 total (73rd)
Hustle stats from October 22nd, 2021, to present as a starter:
- 4 deflections (5th), 132 total (9th)
- 1.0 loose balls recovered (26th), 40 total (34th)
The sample size from last season is smaller than a petri dish but GTJ just celebrated his 23rd birthday on January 18th. The rise in his intensity is obvious when looking at these numbers. He’s playing as if the starting job is his to lose and he’s right.
The rise in the rankings is almost a coincidence when you consider he shares the backcourt with a guy like Fred VanVleet. Someone who went undrafted in 2016 and has the following pinned on his Twitter account:
Fred answered multiple questions during his “end of the season” scrum last year and one of them was whether he was ready to take the keys from Kyle Lowry. Fred laughed and confidently stated that the transition from it being Kyle’s team to his now had begun in the season. It wouldn’t have been surprising at all to see his mantra resonate with GTJ.
Fast-forward to present day. Him and Fred kept praising each other during their post-game scrums after picking up a W over Miami.
Fred was asked about what he thought about GTJ after the Raps took down Miami for the second time in three days. In his response he gave GTJ all his flowers, which means something coming from Mr. Bet On Yourself:
“He’s a rockstar in every sense of the word. I just really happen to appreciate his passion for the game this year and his compete level. He started this whole year off with defense and now you’re seeing what he really is, which is a gunner and he’s in an incredible zone.”
Another thing that’s odd in all of this is that he re-upped with the Raps for three years and around $53 million over the summer. That third year is a player option and it’s already looking as if he’s outplayed the contract. Young players shouldn’t be this motivated after signing a brand-new deal. It’s as though something has forced him to set his sights on becoming a constant thorn in the side of whoever his matchup is on any given night.
During this media scrum, the first question asked to him was on the checklist of everyone in attendance:
“What was it that flipped the switch?”
His answer had so much of Fred in it.
“Years of work. Years of being in the league, learning guys’ tendencies, knowing what certain guys can do, knowing what certain offences are going to do. Knowing where I can put myself in a position to be successful on the defensive end. Just reps and playing.”
Tonight, he’s looking to extend his streak and break the franchise record for consecutive games where he’s scored +30 points and +5 triples.
Three-and-D certified.
