There's no doubt that Gary Trent Jr. has been an incredible pickup for the Milwaukee Bucks this year.
After a very slow start as a starter, a move to the bench rejuvenated him, and he's been on a tear ever since. To further highlight his play, Trent officially shattered Michael Redd's record of most 3-pointers made off the bench by a Milwaukee Buck this season. Trent has made 156 triples off the bench, and the crazy part is that there are three regular season games left, so he can still add to it.
Michael Redd, who held onto that record for many years, reacted to Trent officially claiming the title for his own in Milwaukee's most recent thrilling comeback win over the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Michael Redd praises Milwaukee Bucks wing Gary Trent Jr.
"Congratulations to Gary Trent Jr. on surpassing my 20+ year-old mark for most 3-pointers made off the bench in a single season. Watching him light it up for my Bucks has been special...
Sharpshooting off the bench is an art form, and he's mastered it. Proud to pass the torch to a fellow [Bucks player]. Keep lighting it up, [Gary Trent Jr.]!"
Redd continued by saying that he's known Trent since the wing was five years old, having squared off with Gary Trent Sr. during their playing days. In a world where there is typically animosity between the different eras in the history of the game, it's welcoming to see one side praise another. Through and through, Redd has always been a supporter of the Milwaukee Bucks.
The wild thing about the record is that another player isn't too far off from Trent. AJ Green, another lethal long-distance shooter, is currently sitting at 138 makes off the bench this season. Though the odds of him catching up to Gary Trent Jr. over the final few matchups are pretty slim, it undoubtedly says something that he's even that close to begin with.
At the time of this writing, Trent currently ranks third in the NBA in 3-pointers made off the bench this season, while Green is sixth. These are two of the best in the business at what they do, and it's been a major bonus for the Milwaukee Bucks. These two are among the prominent factors in the Bucks being tied for the top 3-point percentage in the NBA this season at 38.4 percent.
With the way the NBA is trending with the increased reliance on the 3-ball these days, Trent's record, whatever the final tally may be, may not hold up for as long as Redd's did, but it will be interesting to see how long he holds the mantle. That record could very well help Trent, who is set to become a free agent in the offseason, earn a bump in pay.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.