Toronto Raptors: Ranking all 5 starters for the 2021-22 season

Ranking Raptors starters: 4. SG Gary Trent Jr.

Gary Trent Jr. did not start the 2020-21 season with the Raptors. But he finished the campaign with a smash, separating himself as a potential starter of the long-time future.

Trent came over with Rodney Hood in March, dealt in the trade that sent Raptors stalwart Norman Powell to the Portland Trail Blazers. Fans bemoaning the loss of Powell quickly saw Trent’s potential, netting a career-high 31 points before the month ended.

Just two days after that game, Trent nearly made NBA history when he recorded a plus-minus of plus-54, the second-best mark in 25 years. A week later, Trent blew away his career-best scoring game, dropping 44 against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The strong performances earned Trent a three-year, $54 million contract in the summer. The guard averaged 16.2 points and 3.6 rebounds per game in his initial 15-game stint with the team.

There is room for growth from Trent. His 3-point shooting still leaves something desired, hitting 35.5 percent of his attempts with the team and just 39.5 percent of all of his field-goal attempts. He’s also not much of a distributor, dishing just 1.3 assists per game with the team.

Last season marked a major step forward from the 22-year-old Trent. Progress akin to that this season will have him on the path of stardom.