3 most underrated players on the Toronto Raptors’ current roster

2. Gary Trent Jr.

Trent has already been put through plenty in the NBA. Just 23 years old, he’s been viewed as a second-round lottery ticket, promising young Damian Lillard co-star, and defense-deficient gunner. After arriving in Toronto following the Norman Powell trade with Portland, Trent has stepped on the accelerator.

Trent averaged 18.3 points per game last year, serving as one of the few standout 3-point shooters on a team that never seemed to get the shooting pop they were looking for. Few guards in the league, let alone 23-year-old ones with limited shot attempts, have that kind of production.

The Toronto Raptors are leaning on Gary Trent Jr. heavily.

Trent’s defense was so pathetic in Portland that they felt comfortable ditching him for Powell. Just a year and a half later, Trent is a pesky turnover machine who ranked near the top of the league in steals and deflections. That turnaround was nothing short of awe-inspiring.

While the Raptors might not be the most dynamic offensive team at the moment, Trent’s ability to make the Ball Don’t Stop devotees on Raptors Twitter gush whenever he creates from the midrange is held in high regard. One more year under Nurse will help Trent cash in when his deal is up.