2. Gary Trent Jr. and his slow start
Trent’s box score numbers look fine, as he is averaging 18.5 points per game and shooting at a respectable clip. What’s the issue? Well, the Raptors have been considerably worse when he has been on the floor, especially on the defensive end of things.
Per Cleaning the Glass, the Raptors score 13.5 fewer points per 100 possessions when Trent is on the floor and allow 5.5 more points per 100 possessions. In just the last few weeks, the streaky Trent has had games in which he has shot 6-15, 3-12, and 4-11 from the field. That simply is not going to cut it.
Gary Trent Jr. should be a positive for the Toronto Raptors.
Trent’s role on this team has never been more important, as he is one of the few players who can create shots in half-court sets while being efficient from the perimeter and a turnover generator on the defensive end. Whatever issues Trent is causing in this lineup need to be corrected very soon.
Trent, when he’s hot, can be almost unstoppable. His five-straight 30-point games proved that last year, and the fact he will get a nine-figure contract in the offseason also confirms as such. When he gets hot, the Raptors’ offense could change for the better.
Verdict: Patience