Even though new head coach Darko Rajakovic wouldn’t say if Gary Trent Jr. will start or be the Raptors sixth man, it’s becoming clear that Trent Jr.’s role for this upcoming season will be him leading the second unit.
In the first two preseason games Trent Jr. has been used as the Raptors sixth man. Trent scored scored 22 points against the Sacramento Kings on Oct. 8 and 8 points against the Cairns Taipans on Oct. 15.
Trent Jr. wants to start games but since he’s been coming off the bench and practicing with the second unit he knows the writing is on the wall:
Gary Trent Jr. on his role so far, wants to start but — “Obviously the first two games I’ve been coming off the bench; practices I’ve been with the second unit … so the writing’s on the wall. So just continue to go come in help and help to win as much as I can.”
— Michael Grange (@michaelgrange) October 16, 2023
However, Trent Jr. is being the ultimate professional. He seems ready to embrace the role even if it’s not his ideal situation.
He isn’t focused on complaining and he’s committed to doing what he needs to do to help the Raptors win:
Trent Jr on coming off the bench: “It’s going to be what it’s going to be… Obviously you work to start in the league… but I have no control over that… There’s no time to complain about the situation. I’m just coming into work & doing what I need to do to help this team win”
— Josh Lewenberg (@JLew1050) October 16, 2023
Trent Jr.’s bench role
Trent Jr. averaged 17.4 point, 2.6 rebounds and 1.6 assists over 66 games last season. He made 43.3 percent of his field-goal attempts and was 36.9 percent from deep.
Trent Jr. was a starter for the Raptors for most of last season. He did however come off the bench in 10 consecutive games in March before missing seven games with right elbow stiffness.
Trent Jr. is no stranger to coming off the bench and he will need to be locked into the role if the Raptors want to exceed expectations this season.
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