September 21, 2024

Gary Trent Jr. has quickly solidified his legend status with Raptors

Gary Trent Jr #GaryTrentJr

Trail Blazers

Gary Trent Jr. has quickly solidified his legend status with Raptors

Gary Trent Jr. is a force to be reckoned with.

While no longer on the Portland Trail Blazers, fans are still cheering him along as he carves out a role on the Toronto Raptors.

And so far, he’s taking advantage of every opportunity.

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After scoring a career-high 31 points against the Oklahoma City Thunder in just his sixth game as a Raptor, Trent Jr. is eyeing his next milestone.

As the Raptors took on the Cleveland Cavs on Saturday, Toronto took an 87-54 lead at halftime, a franchise record for points in a first half. Much of that was in credit to the play of Trent Jr., who had 25 points (9-10 FG, 5-6 3PT, 2/2 FT) five rebounds, and three assists at halftime. 

Midway through the third quarter of Saturday’s game, Trent Jr. had already matched his career-high. He finished the game with 44 points (17-19 FG, 7-9 3-PT, 3-3 FT) and added seven rebounds, four assists and one steal in 33 minutes of play. 

That boy good is right.

Even his former teammate Jusuf Nurkic was singing Trent Jr.’s praises. 

Recently, the 6-5 shooting guard opened up about the trade on March 25 that sent himself and veteran Rodney Hood to Toronto in exchange for guard Norman Powell.

“Man, this opportunity is second to none. It’s a blessing,” Trent Jr. said. “The last few years, my situation, you know I’m playing with amazing players, future Hall of Fame players in Carmelo Anthony, Damian Lillard, CJ McCollum, so my time and what I could do and what I could showcase was very limited, due to just the circumstances.”

With the Raptors, Trent Jr. is truly seizing the opportunity that is in front of him.

Being traded definitely stings, but Trail Blazers fans will forever have a soft place in their heart for Trent Jr. and want to see him achieve big things in Toronto. 

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