The Trail Blazers will need production from the youth on their roster if they hope to claw their way inside the Western Conference’s postseason picture. Without Trevor Ariza in the fold, Portland’s best option falls on the shoulders of breakout second-year wing Gary Trent Jr.
Trent’s potential for success during the NBA’s Orlando-based restart garnered attention from ESPN NBA analyst Kevin Pelton. After reviewing the Blazers’ roster, Pelton listed Trent as the Blazers player most likely to surprise in the weeks ahead.
The latest in a line of Blazers second-round steals that includes Will Barton, Pat Connaughton, Allen Crabbe and Jake Layman, Trent will help fill in for Trevor Ariza, who is not participating in the restart.