The 3 Portland Trail Blazers that need to step up with CJ McCollum out

Gary Trent Jr.

As if there was any surprise. Gary Trent Jr is the player the team will be relying on most (after Dame) in CJ’s absence.

Trent’s stock has been trending upward ever since his 30 point outburst against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The third-year shooting guard has proved to be an absolute steal since the Blazers selected him 37th overall in the 2018 NBA Draft.

Trent also absolutely blew up during the bubble portion of last season.

Many have clamored for Trent to receive more minutes (under better circumstances, of course), and he’ll get that opportunity now.

His shot is pure, and he has an eye for scoring, something the Blazers will need during McCollum’s absence. Trent’s accuracy is impressive, but the volume at which he’s asked to perform will skyrocket.

Trent has shown that high quality, high volume performances are something he can handle, but can he handle it on a night in, night out basis?

That’s what’s going to be asked of him. If there’s another player who can deliver offensively though, it’s Trent. He may be younger than Hood or Covington, but he’s already shown he has that killer offensive mindset.

He’s also off to a much better start to the season than Hood and Covington. While that may be the case, still more will be asked of the young guard.

Above anyone else (not named Damian Lillard), the Blazers will need Gary Trent Jr to step up and fill in for CJ McCollum.