3 most disappointing Raptors amid team’s weird 2-4 start

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - NOVEMBER 02: Head coach Darko Rajakovic of the Toronto Raptors reacts during the first quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center on November 02, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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 Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - NOVEMBER 02: Head coach Darko Rajakovic of the Toronto Raptors reacts during the first quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center on November 02, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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 Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
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Toronto Raptors, Gary Trent Jr
TORONTO, ON – OCTOBER 28: Gary Trent Jr. #33 of Toronto Raptors drives against Tyrese Maxey #0 of Philadelphia 76ers (Photo by Mark Blinch/Getty Images)

2. Gary Trent Jr.

The Raptors moved Trent to the bench after adding Schroder, and the move seems to have paid off for one of the two parties involved. Schroder is playing very well as the starting point guard, but Trent’s play on both ends for Toronto has never been worse.

Not only is Trent averaging less than 10 points per game, but he’s doing it with a terrible shooting percentage of 32% from the field. In Rajakovic’s new defensive scheme, Trent’s ability to cause turnovers has been reduced due to the lack of crazy Nick Nurse-esque switching.

Gary Trent Jr. isn’t shooting well for the Toronto Raptors.

Trent is not only struggling in his new Sixth Man role, but he’s struggling in a contract year. His decision to opt in may end up losing him a ton of money in free agency, as no one is going to want a poor on-ball defender regressing in what is supposed to be his area of strength.

On a team that lacks tons of 3-point shooters, Trent’s struggles have been even more prominent. With every missed 3-pointer and poor defensive showing, the Raptors’ issues as a collective unit will only continue to grow more pronounced.