The Trail Blazers will need the production of the young men on their roster if they hope to make their way in the Western Conference postseason image. Without Trevor Ariza in the fold, Portland’s best option rests on the shoulders of second-year wing Gary Trent Jr.
Trent’s potential for success during the NBA restart in Orlando attracted the attention of ESPN NBA analyst Kevin Pelton. After reviewing the Blazers roster, Pelton listed Trent as the Blazers player most likely to surprise in the coming weeks.
The latest in a second-round robbery line from the Blazers that includes Will Barton, Pat Connaughton, Allen Crabbe and Jake Layman, Trent will help replace Trevor Ariza, who is not involved in the restart. While I’d bet Carmelo Anthony would start with a small forward for Portland, Trent believes he’ll end games as the team’s top wing defender and 3-point shooter (39% this season). Trent will take tougher defensive duties from starting guards Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum and will delight in the open appearance they create.
Outside of media attention, Trent also received praise from coach Terry Stotts after a series of strong practices over the weekend. Jamie Hudson of NBC Sports Northwest documented Stotts’ positive praise for the former standout Duke.
“He has resumed where he left off. We were talking about it with him before practice. The difference for him compared to a year ago, he accelerated during the season, he is in excellent shape, defensively he is where he made the biggest jump. I think offensively, he was shooting the ball well. He is not playing so much one on one. It moves well without the ball. He knows the sets. So, I think it was obvious to everyone this year the jump he made from his rookie year to the following year … But yes, he resumed right where he left off. “
Through 53 appearances (eight starts) this season, Trent has produced 7.7 points per game. In the month of February, when Trent appeared for longer periods, his scoring average increased to 12.1 points per game during that span.
You can read the full list of potential surprise players on ESPN.
