Orlando Magic: 5 options for pick No. 41 in 2018 NBA Draft
By Ty Delbridge
4. Gary Trent Jr.
- Height: 6’5”
- Weight: 204 lbs
- Age: 19
- Position: SG/SF
Gary Trent Jr. played one season at Duke University before declaring for the draft. Trent is a bigger wing who can play shooting guard, small forward and even point guard. He was part of a talented Duke team and may have been held back because of it, but as of right now Trent is being projected as an early second round pick in recent mock drafts. ESPN has Trent ranked as the 39th-best prospect.
In his one season at Duke, he averaged 14.5 points, 4.2 rebounds,1.4 assists and 1.2 steals in 33.9 minutes per game while shooting 41.5 percent from the field and 40.2 percent from the 3-point line. CBS said, “Trent is an assassin from the 3-point line who can get a bucket in a pinch.”
One of the needs for this Magics team is shooting and Trent would help with that issue. Guys like Young, Gordon and Vucevic could see plenty of double-teams when they are on the court, so the Magic need to surround them with guys that can score. Trent would be a less expensive option for them instead of going out in free agency looking to add shooters.
Trent could slide over to small forward to play with Young, Simmons or Fournier. He could also be the shooting guard with Young, Isaac or Wesley Iwundu. NBA draft sites have compared him to Buddy Hield, Wesley Matthews and Doug McDermott. Trent has a chance to be a long-time contributor in the league.