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Toronto Raptors: 3 players that could win award races next season

By Joseph Zita

TAMPA, FLORIDA - APRIL 27: OG Anunoby #3 of the Toronto Raptors drives to the net during the first half against the Brooklyn Nets at Amalie Arena on April 27, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. 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 Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FLORIDA - APRIL 27: OG Anunoby #3 of the Toronto Raptors drives to the net during the first half against the Brooklyn Nets at Amalie Arena on April 27, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. 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 Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) /
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Gary Trent Jr., Toronto Raptors
Apr 10, 2021; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Toronto Raptors guard Gary Trent Jr. (33) Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Gary Trent Jr:  Most Improved Player

The last player on this list is someone who the Raptors are going to want to lock up very soon in Gary Trent Jr. Trent was acquired by the Raptors this past season in a trade deadline deal with the Portland Trail Blazers, where Norman Powell was shipped the other way in the deal.

Trent Jr., in a sense, is a younger version of Powell in my opinion. He’s a shooter that can score the ball at all three levels, and he is a slightly better defender. He also fits the time frame for age with some of the other current Raptors on the team.

Trent, just like Anunoby, has a strong case to improve as a basketball player even more next season. He’s coming off this past season averaging career-highs in points, assists, and rebounds per game while having decent shooting splits as well.

Gary Trent Jr. could thrive if he gets more shots in Toronto than in Portland.

With him most likely having a greater role on the Raptors next season, we could see his minutes increase as well as his production and we could see him improve in almost every statistical category yet again and have a case to win the award.

He’s coming off the 2020-21 season averaging 15.3 points per game, 2.6 rebounds per game, and 1.4 assists per game while posting 40/38/78 shooting splits. He had a much better season this year compared to his 2019-20 season, and we could be in store to see him have yet another one in the 2021-22 season.

Next. 4 players 23 and younger to sign. dark