Toronto Raptors: 3 things to keep an eye on through the rest of 2020-21 season

No. 1: Is Gary Trent Jr. a Part of the Core?

Anyone comparing the respective post-deadline production of Gary Trent Jr. with the Raptors and Norman Powell in Portland is missing the point.

This trade’s immediate aftermath was always going to skew in favor of the Blazers – that’s why they were the buyers and Toronto were the sellers. Still, the next 25 games loom large for the deal’s key return piece as the club gets a handle on what they have in the 22-year-old.

Since arriving, Trent has been touted as an elite three-point marksman with proven defensive abilities, with drawbacks coming in shot creation and scoring prowess beyond the three-ball.

Unfortunately, that reputation seems largely built on an impressive showing in the Disney bubble last season. From a 41.7% mark from three in the bubble, he is down to 38.8% this season and just 23.5% as a Raptor.

How will Gary Trent Jr. perform as a Toronto Raptors guard?

Trent’s upside here is intriguing, particularly given that he was acquired for a player in Powell who likely wasn’t sticking around past this season. That said, the pending restricted free agent’s value will also be contingent on how he performs relative to his next contract.

An extended look the rest of the way (he’s already averaging 32 minutes in his first three games) should give the organization a better sense of what they have in the newcomer.