Minnesota Timberwolves Draft Prospect: Gary Trent, Jr.

The Minnesota Timberwolves have plenty of options with the 20th pick in the 2018 NBA Draft. They also have a second round pick, or could trade down. Would Gary Trent, Jr. be an option?

I think it’s safe to say that even if Wolves fans don’t want the Minnesota Timberwolves to draft Gary Trent Jr., many of those people — or, Minnesota natives, at least — will still be glued to see where he lands.

Trent grew up in Minnesota and was a familiar face at Apple Valley High School, which is the same school at which Tyus Jones and his brother Tre Jones played at as well.

If the Wolves were to draft Trent Jr., the immediate ties to Jones would be big. Of course, they already have chemistry and both would be coming off the bench more than likely, so that would help the Wolves out as well.

Gary Trent, Sr. played two years for the Wolves before retiring. Trent, Jr. has ties to the Wolves organization and would be a safe bet to become a fan favorite because of that.

Will Minnesota draft him? That’s the big question as June 21st inches closer. Months before the draft, he was pegged to go somewhere around the lottery. Trent didn’t quite have the season that many had anticipated at Duke University, which appears to have played a role into him falling down the draft boards.

The Wolves could either play it safe and draft him at No. 20 or risk it and trade back if they believe they can grab him later in the round. Trent played on a talented Duke roster; all five are worthy of being first round picks, and two of those five could go in the top 10. The level of talent at Duke surely played into the lack of space that Trent had to shine.

Here’s what we do know: Trent Jr. would fill a valuable need. Minnesota needs depth behind Andrew Wiggins and Jimmy Butler, and they also need 3-point shooting. We all know that the Timberwolves ranked dead-last in 3-pointers attempted and made.

That’s where Trent comes in. In his one season at Duke, he posted a 3-point percentage of 40.2 on 6.5 attempts per game. Somewhat surprisingly, Wiggins (and his 33.1 3-point percentage) attempted the most 3-pointers on the squad. Put simply, the Wolves could use Trent Jr.’s 3-point ability.

Trent averaged 14.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.2 steals. His biggest strength is scoring, and Minnesota needs that off the bench.

He does have the ability to develop into a 3-and-D type player, but will be a project on the defensive end. Also, he’s looking to score first, and passing seems to be a last-ditch effort. Trent is also not as explosive as some of the other prospects in the draft.

Next: NBA Draft: Should the Timberwolves trade down?

The main thing to know about him is that he’s a much-needed scorer, 3-point shooter and would add depth to the team. Trent, Jr. may be a better option as a late first-round pick or even early second-rounder, as it sure looks like drafting him 20th would be a clear reach.