IX: F/C Gary Trent (2002-03)
GS 22 | 15.3 MPG | 6.0 PPG | 0.0 3P% | 3.6 RPG | 1.0 APG | 0.4 SPG | 0.3 BPG
While we do not have a clear center at nine, versatile Gary Trent was the type of player who could effectively compete in any and all positions on the frontcourt. And the Minnesota Timberwolves would use that fact over the course of three seasons with the team, using him as a power forward in 2001-02, small forward in 2002-03, and center in 2003-04.
Trent enjoyed a nine-season career in the NBA. Unfortunately for the Minnesota Timberwolves, he had peaked and was already on the decline by the time he joined the Timberwolves roster.
Trent was a polished performer at his peak, averaging 16.0 points and 7.8 rebounds for the Dallas Mavericks in 1998-99. But by the time he rolled into the 2002-03 season, his numbers were already plummeting. He would appear in 80 games for the Timberwolves and started in 22 of those contests. He would back up SF Wally Szczerbiak, who was coming off an NBA All-Star season the year before.
Trent would really show signs of decline in the 2003 NBA Playoffs when he would appear in six games but only average 2.3 points per game. He would play just one more season in the NBA. While he would appear in 68 games in 2003-04, he would start just two games that entire season.