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How have the Trail Blazers young players performed this season?

By Stevie Cozens

PORTLAND, OR - September 30: Anfernee Simons #24 and Gary Trent Jr. #9 of the Portland Trail Blazers entertain the fans during the team's annual Fan Fest open scrimmage September 30, 2018 at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OR - September 30: Anfernee Simons #24 and Gary Trent Jr. #9 of the Portland Trail Blazers entertain the fans during the team's annual Fan Fest open scrimmage September 30, 2018 at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Gary Trent Jr. – drafted 2018, age 20

Gary Trent Jr. has seen an increased role this season, which has been promising for the almost twenty-one year old. Last year he only played in garbage time over ten games, but this year he has already appeared in 19 games where he has played a lot of meaningful minutes.

Though it’s a very small sample, his three pointer is looking nice, he is 16 of 42 for 38 percent so far. Trent’s biggest work-ons should be getting to the rim more often. He is six-foot-five with a six-foot-eight wingspan so he has the tools to finish well around the basket. Trent projects as a good shooter off the bench so the ability to attack close-outs will be massive along with the development of his shot.

Court awareness should also be a focus. Trent needs to be aware of open teammates, especially when handling the ball in transition. Though there haven’t been many chances to see him defend, he has struggled a little on the perimeter. He is just 20 though, and hasn’t even played 50 NBA games yet. More game reps equal more experience.

Trent is raw but his shooting through the first 30 odd games is very encouraging. It wasn’t expected that he would have a role this year, but he will be better for the spot minutes he has played on this injury-hit roster.

Nassir Little – drafted 2019, age 19

Nassir Little is youngest and the most raw of these prospects. Little may have been the steal of this years draft where the Blazers nabbed him at number 25.

Little has also played more of a role than expected this season with the injuries. He has had some great moments in his first season in Portland though. Little’s length has seen him make an instant impact on the glass. Through 21 games he ranks in the top five wings in the league on offensive rebounds. His finishing around the rim has been impressive when he has had the chance, and he doesn’t shy away from contact or drawing fouls.

Little’s shot is his biggest work-on, but its encouraging that he hasn’t been afraid to let it fly even if it isn’t dropping. Defensively he has shown that he can protect the rim at the times, and he has also defended multiple positions on occasion. Little is very early in his NBA career but he has taken every opportunity that’s been thrown at him. His natural position is probably small forward so the development of his scoring is imperative. But the offensive rebounding and athleticism is already there, so at age 19 he has masses of potential.

Next. Trail Blazers: Breaking down a decade of draft history. dark

The four Blazers players mentioned above will form the backbone of this team for years to come. The exposure to real playing time for these four has been one of the few positives of the injury toll. With Neil Olshey’s balancing future needs while contending in the present, the development of these four will continue to be a focus in Portland.

Even if this team doesn’t make the playoffs this season, the development of the younger players is a step in the right direction.