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Gary Trent Jr is the answer to all of the Portland Trail Blazers problems

By Stevie Cozens

PORTLAND, OREGON - FEBRUARY 01: Gary Trent Jr. #2 of the Portland Trail Blazers reacts in the first quarter against the Utah Jazz during their game at Moda Center on February 01, 2020 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. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OREGON - FEBRUARY 01: Gary Trent Jr. #2 of the Portland Trail Blazers reacts in the first quarter against the Utah Jazz during their game at Moda Center on February 01, 2020 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. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /
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Gary Trent Jr is the answer to all of the Portland Trail Blazers problems. Why does the second-year guard deserve a major role moving forward?

Defense, size and versatile scoring are all things this Portland Trail Blazers team lacks. In Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum they have one of the best back-court’s in the league, but this duo struggle mightily on the defensive end, while also battling to get to the line or the rim.

Enter Gary Trent Jr. Though it’s very early in his NBA career, he has the game that could balance his two co-stars and give this team a three and d presence they haven’t had since the days of Wesley Matthews.

The main thing that’s impressed people with Trent in his young NBA career has been his growth and maturity. From a guy that wasn’t expected to play a role this season, to being in the rotation and then playing starters minutes, he has taken it all in his stride.

Some people said he was only a shooter, then he put the ball on the floor and got to the line and the rim. Then all of a sudden he is guarding the opposition’s best guard. His growth this year has been unbelievable.

It would be easy to say, ‘ he’s only averaging 7.7 points a game. ‘ But let’s remember he is 20-years-old, was drafted in the second round in 2018, and he outperformed seasoned veteran Kent Bazemore, who was brought in to do exactly the job that Trent is doing now. Difference is, Bazemore was paid 18 million to do it compared to Trent’s 1 million.

He is also only taking 6.6 shots a night. This is bound to go up when the NBA returns and he is back on court.

His two developed skills so far are his shooting, and defense.

Starting with his shooting – he has hit 38.8 percent of his threes this season. Of players that have played 50 or more games this season, this mark puts him just behind Dame on the team. He has shot them off the catch and the dribble, while also using a stepback.

This varied game bodes well for his future development. He has also embraced the midrange. There he has used pull-ups, step-backs and then even some pick and roll play to get to the rim or get and-ones with a defender on his back.

Because he is so much bigger than Dame and CJ, if his off the dribble and transition game continue to develop then the Blazers will have the strong guard presence they have been so clearly lacking.

Defensively, Trent is a dog. He can defend both guard positions and then some small-forwards dependent on the matchup. He is similar to Patrick Beverley, but with less of the bravado and bullshit.

Because he is six-foot-six with a six-foot-eight wingspan he can overwhelm smaller ones and twos, while taking away the need for Dame or CJ to guard the other teams best guard. This leaves them with so much more energy for the offensive end. He can block shots and has also shown some off the ball stuff too.

He is quick and strong with fast feet, and has surprised many opposition guards this season with some lockdown defense.

The next area of growth for Trent is his passing. He has shown the ability to make good reads and has already grown in this area in transition and the half-court. If he could be a competent secondary ball handler then he increases his chance to be a starter.

Next. Will CJ McCollum be an All Star in 2021?. dark

There’s also no reason that Trent can’t be a great slasher and cutter. He will be playing some minutes with Jusuf Nurkic so he could be a get to the line type guy who finishes well at the rim too. In a potential combo with Nurk, he could look for backdoor cuts and or ball screens to get open shots or drives to the hoop.

His free throw rate isn’t great yet, but if you watch some of his highlights this year you’ll see some of his impressive and-ones.

Trent is the perfect Yin to Dame and CJ’s Yang. He is big and strong, while being able to defend and attack the rim.

With around thirty-minutes a night he could make a massive difference to this team. The Blazers guards are small and can’t defend, with Trent that changes the dynamic instantly.

The faster Trent develops, the better this team will be.