Toronto Raptors: Stock up, stock down as losing streak extends

Stock Up: Gary Trent Jr.

Trent’s turnaround on the defensive end this year has been so remarkable that his primary contribution this season has been some elite turnover generation skills. In a surprising twist of fate, Trent’s offense has managed to pick up to the point where he can be relied upon as a secondary scoring option on any given night.

Trent averaged 18.8 points and 4.3 rebounds in the last four contests, all while continuing to amass just under two steals per game. At 48% overall and 37.5% from 3-point range, Trent is starting to beef up his efficiency percentages and develop as an offensive player.

Gary Trent Jr. has been an elite defender for the Toronto Raptors.

Trent signed a three-year that pays him just south of $52 million this offseason, and if he continues to play at this pace, he could make that deal look pitifully cheap. Trent is still just 22 years old, meaning that the best is yet to come for the former top recruit and Duke star.

While the Raptors have star players that can shoot the ball well, one would be very hard-pressed to call shooting a strength for this team. They need Trent to continue playing like he has, as he continued to put up solid numbers on both ends despite some players around him underperforming.