2018 NBA Draft: Gary Trent Jr. could be perimeter sniper OKC Thunder need

As one of the best perimeter snipes in the 2018 NBA Draft class Gary Trent Jr. seeks to show teams he brings more to the party.

Ranging anywhere from the middle of the first to the middle of the second round on NBA draft boards, almost no one has had as much uncertainty about where they will be going in the upcoming NBA draft.

Besides being a knock down 3-point shooter, questions have risen about Garry Trent Jr.’s athleticism, defensive capability and offensive versatility in an era where simply being a specialist isn’t enough.

Trent may have answered some of his critics at last month’s NBA draft combine where he posted a 39.5-inch max vertical, a 2.99-second shuttle run and a 3.12-second three-quarters sprint, similar numbers to Donovan Mitchell at last year’s combine. He proved it on the court too with 32 points, five boards, three assists and two steals over the course of two scrimmages.

Player specifics:

• Height: 6’5.75″
• Weight: 204.2 lbs
• Wingspan: 6’8.75″
• Position: SG
• Age: 19.4
• College: Duke
• Home town: St. Paul, MN

Statline:

Provided by CBB at Sports Reference: View Original Table
Generated 6/15/2018.

Skills:

At almost 6’6 with nearly a 6’9 wingspan, Trent Jr. has the size to play and guard multiple positions. That is a skill which is becoming more and more valuable in today’s NBA.

This past season Trent played on a very talented Duke team expected to produce at least two lottery picks. Trent didn’t always have the opportunity to demonstrate his full arsenal of skills. But, what he did show off was impressive.

Trent is a knock-down three-point shooter with NBA range. Moreover, he has the ability to get his shot off in traffic averaging 6.5 attempts a game at 40.2%. He has a very balanced, consistent shooting motion with a high release point. Moreover, he is very capable coming off screens, setting his feet and getting off a quick shot. Therefore, his perimeter fundamentals and ability should translate well at the pro level.

Although he isn’t asked to be the primary ball handler, Trent is an underrated passer. Trent makes good use of jab steps and dribble moves to create space. These moves result in shots, getting to the rim, or finding the open man.

Trent is a high IQ player with all the physical tools to make it at the next level. While there are questions about his defensive capability, he is extremely coachable. Factoring in strong work ethic and a passion for the game it  should lead him to a successful NBA career.

Weaknesses:

Although Trent has the size and length to be a good defender at the next level doesn’t mean he will be a good defender. And, coming from Duke where they played mostly zone defense might make his transition to the pro game more difficult.

He tends to gamble too much for steals, often losing his man and allowing the offense an easy bucket. While some of the concerns about his athletic ability were put to bed at last months combine, he is going to need to work on his positioning and footwork if he wants to become a two-way player in the NBA.

Despite being a knock-down three-point shooter, his shot selection can be spotty at times shooting at the first sign of daylight and although he has shown the ability to pass, he doesn’t always capitalize on the opportunity. He also tends to settle for long two’s instead of putting the ball on the floor and using his athleticism to finish around the basket. All of that said he is still only 19 years old with enormous potential and all the tools to become a great basketball player.

Awards and honors:

2018 NCAA Tournament All-Region
McDonald’s All-American (2017)
Jordan Brand Classic (2017)
FIBA Americas Under-16 Championship MVP (2015)

Pro comparison:

The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor has compared him to Doug McDermott, Jeremy Lamb, and Hollis Thompson which I suppose is a decent grab if he falls to the middle of the second round, but personally, I think he has more to his game than that.

If we are talking potential, Gary Trent Jr. should fall somewhere between Allen Crabbe and Klay Thompson depending on how he develops on the defensive side of the ball.

He is already a knockdown three-point shooter with the size, length, and athleticism to develop into a really good defender, pair that with an improved finishing ability and some good coaching and you got yourself a heck of a basketball player. Now I’m not saying he is going to be one of the best shooters of all time in Klay Thompson, but he is certainly going to be a better player than Doug McDermott.

Current ranking:

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ESPN/DraftExpress: 39th

The Ringer: 42nd

Draft Net: 20th

CBS Sports: 23rd

Sports Illustrated: 42nd

Bleacher Report: 33rd

Basketball Insider: 30th

Sporting News: 40th

Fit with OKC Thunder:

Right now draft boards have Garry Trent Jr. going anywhere between 20th and 43rd. So, he may not be the most realistic option for the OKC Thunder unless he falls further than expected. Or Sam Presti could decide to package the two picks and move up. But if they do manage to get their hands on him, he could fill an immediate need with his perimeter shooting.

So many times last year it just felt like Russ needed a reliable shooter on the perimeter as the OKC Thunder finished 22nd in perimeter efficiency. Heading into the draft Presti may feel OKC has a more immediate position need. Or perhaps he’ll seek out someone a little more versatile like Landry Shamet who could backup Westbrook at the point and offer reliable perimeter scoring.

Next: Shake Milton hopes to play close to home in Oklahoma

Whatever happens, Gary Trent Jr. is a player to keep an eye on as a possible option for the OKC Thunder in the upcoming NBA Draft.