Before the Toronto Raptors’ 2021-2022 season began, Gary Trent Jr. was a question mark on the defensive end, and for good reason. He didn’t show much defensive activity during the previous season after getting dealt midway through the year for Norman Powell, and he seemed to lack the size and quickness to be a positive asset on that end of the floor.
A pleasant surprise, Gary made his impact known immediately by becoming the Raptors’ steals leader. His anticipation and quick hands became a revelation for the team, proving his value on the floor despite not fitting into the long, athletic archetype that Toronto has been seeking out over the past couple of seasons.