As the Toronto Raptors hosted the Milwaukee Bucks on January 6th, they were met with a blast from the past in the form of Gary Trent Jr.
Despite his early struggles this season, where he often resembled a shadow of his potential self, Trent Jr. demonstrated just how much he still belonged in the spotlight, playing a pivotal role in a resounding 128-104 victory over his old team.
In just under 24 minutes, Trent showcased his sharpshooting skills and defensive chops, lighting up the stats sheet with 17 points on 6-for-9 shooting, including an impressive 3-for-5 from behind the arc, snagging three steals, and finishing with a plus/minus of +14. The performance was a reminder of the dynamic player Raptors fans loved and showcased just how he can flip a game on its head.
Bucks wing Gary Trent Jr. dazzles in his return to Toronto
Raptors show love to Gary Trent Jr. in his first return to Toronto with the Bucks. Always was a fan favorite. pic.twitter.com/YMOqpGbuWv
— William Lou (@william_lou) January 7, 2025
It’s easy to highlight Trent Jr.'s occasional brilliance during his Toronto tenure—his streaky shooting frequently sent fans into a frenzy. Yet, with that excitement often came frustration, as he could just as easily vanish from the box score, leaving observers wondering which Trent would show up.
While he undeniably had moments of clutch play, this inconsistency became his calling card, presenting a paradox for the Raptors: a player capable of both lighting up the scoreboard and disappearing altogether, making it difficult to rely on him when it mattered most.
However, as the Raptors continue their rebuilding quest, it’s difficult to overlook what they’ve lost amidst their growing list of challenges, particularly their struggles with three-point shooting.
The numbers speak volumes: the Raptors managed a mere nine three-pointers against the Bucks, while Milwaukee drained a staggering 22, a staggering contrast that sheds light on Toronto's current struggles from beyond the arc.
Trent could have filled that gap, his mere presence increasing the offensive potency of a team desperately in need of established snipers. His departure may have underscored a missing puzzle piece, a sentiment echoed by fans who still remember his knack for connecting from deep.
For the Raptors, the quest to fill the void left by Gary Trent Jr. isn’t merely about securing a competent shooter; it’s about adapting to an evolving league that prioritizes perimeter shooting.
Raptors could use a sparkplug like Gary Trent Jr. right about now
With the reality setting in that Trent's inconsistent yet valuable spark is sorely missed, the grassroots support for him has only intensified as he thrives with the Milwaukee Bucks, who now count him as an sneaky impactful contributor to their success, highlighted by their recent NBA Cup victory.
Rivers said Gary Trent Jr has been a good fit after a slow start to his first season in Milwaukee. "He works his butt off. He's been a great light on our team. He's one of those guys in the room that players love being around because he's goofy. He does funny stuff & we love him"
— Josh Lewenberg (@JLew1050) January 6, 2025
Raptors fans can't help but wonder what might have been had he stayed, especially as they navigate their identity in a precarious phase. However, hope may lie in the young rookie Ja'Kobe Walter, who could potentially fill some of the gaps left by GTJ's absence, and Gradey Dick, whose impressive skillset hints at a higher ceiling than Trent Jr. ever reached.
In retrospect, it’s evident that while Trent Jr. can be an inconsistent player, he has demonstrated his worthiness for a roster spot in Milwaukee—perhaps even more so in his former home of Toronto, where the offense continues to search for an identity and a reliable shooting touch during this precarious phase.