This season has been all about constantly navigating the next challenge for Milwaukee Bucks wing Gary Trent Jr.
After struggling to begin the season, Milwaukee's starting two guard was benched. He soon found his footing as a member of the reserves, embracing the change. Despite a handful of rough patches here and there, Trent cemented himself as a key member of Milwaukee's rotation - and perhaps one of the team's most obvious X-factors, prior to the All-Star break.
One reason for Trent's success revolves around his ability to knock down a particular shot, which he hasn't been able to replicate for the Milwaukee Bucks after the All-Star festivities.
Bucks need Gary Trent Jr. to start knocking down this particular look
Prior to the All-Star break, Trent buried 43-of-99 (43.4 percent) of his "open" 3-pointers, categorized by NBA.com/stats as looks when a player is given four to six feet of space. He was beyond reliable in that regard, providing much-needed floor spacing for the Milwaukee Bucks' offense. He hasn't been able to replicate that following the break.
In eight appearances, Trent has shot just 7-of-21 (33 percent) on these "open" triples tries. He hasn't been the lethal perimeter threat he was before the festivities and not only is it hurting his production - he is shooting 33.3 percent from three as a whole in this eight-game span - but it's also hurting the Milwaukee Bucks as a whole, as one of their best perimeter shooters has been stuck in the mud.
The good thing is that even though he's been struggling lately, Gary Trent Jr. is still one of the NBA's best perimeter shooters. Trent has proven he can knock down tough shots, so he certainly has what it takes to hit the open ones. The best way for him to get out of this slump is to keep letting them fly. Sooner or later, given who Trent is, they should start to fall.
It might take a few games for Trent to get back into a groove after he made his return to the lineup in Milwaukee's recent loss to Cleveland. Missing time due to an injury has only further complicated the wing's slump, giving him more to overcome as he aims to shake off the rust. Milwaukee needs some juice off the bench offensively, and Gary Trent Jr. has what it takes to do that; it starts with his shot.
It's the next challenge for the wing.