Return or Burn: 4 guards Raptors could part with in offseason
By Mike Luciano
2. SG Gary Trent Jr.
Having been moved to the bench twice this season, Trent has said all the right things and has been productive as both a starter and reserve for Toronto. On a team that can be painfully inept on offense at times, Trent has been a kick in the butt that has sparked multiple rallies.
Trent has been a consistent 18 points per game scorer over the last two years, all while turning into one of the premier turnover-generators in the Eastern Conference on defense. The biggest reason Trent should be retained is the fact that he provides a service that Toronto currently lacks.
The Toronto Raptors must retain Gary Trent Jr.
Not only can Trent shoot well from 3-point range, but he can create looks for himself with the ball in his hands. This offense needs more players with Trent’s creativity on the floor. The fact that Trent can be productive without taking the ball away from Pascal Siakam and Scottie Barnes is another plus.
While the Raptors’ approach to roster building seems to be based around countering many of the new-look offenses with an army of long wings, Ujiri must realize that it is impossible to win in this league without a player like Trent on the roster that can match opposing teams shot for shot.
This would be preferable to drafting someone as a 1-for-1 replacement.
Verdict: Return