Small forward option number five – Gary Trent J.R.
Gary Trent J.r. should have the majority of the small forward minutes instead of Carmelo Anthony. Trent has the defensive skills as well as the shot-making ability playing off the ball.
Trent has broken out in a significant way this year, on both ends of the court. The 21-year-old wing only played 111 minutes in the 2018/19 season, this year that has increased to 1059. He also shot 38.8 percent from three.
Most of this growth came post the All-star break, where he averaged 11 points a game on 29 minutes a night. Not only did Trent knock down the three-ball competently, but he also shot 47.7 percent from two-point range, including an impressive 66.7 percent at the rim.
People might have known that Trent had some potential offense to show, but his defensive growth was even more surprising. With injuries up and down the roster, Trent was thrust into the role of defending the opposition’s best perimeter player.
Between him and Trevor Ariza, Trent had to mark all of the big wings, while also being tasked with guys like James Harden and Victor Oladipo. He took the challenge while elevating his team defense. His big six-foot-ten wingspan enables him to jump passing lanes to get deflections and steals.
Trent is the most qualified of the four players mentioned to play the three. He may be a little small if he gets posted up, but he won’t get blown by on every play like Melo will.
Hopefully, Coach Stotts splits the small forward time between Trent Jr and Melo, giving both players ample minutes with the right lineups to help their flaws and weaknesses.
This Blazers team is short on personnel when it comes to the wing. But they can probably cover the hole left by Ariza by sharing his responsibilities amongst the guys they have on the squad.
With the premium wings, the Blazers are likely to face; they will need someone to step up that hasn’t necessarily fronted before at the three.