There’s no shortage of patience needed in the NBA, especially when you’re investing in a player who’s supposed to be the answer to a specific need. That’s exactly the situation the Milwaukee Bucks found themselves in with their free agent signing in Gary Trent Jr. early this season.
After acquiring him with high expectations of bolstering their scoring depth and injecting fresh energy into the backcourt, the payoff had been minimal for the most part. Save for maybe one or two games, the lion's share of Trent's season thus far saw him missing shots he'd normally make and botching defensive assignments. Long story short, he wasn't as good as advertised—until now.
And all it took was losing his starting nod to second-year players who were hungrier than he was.
Against the Detroit Pistons, Trent finally delivered a performance that hinted at the potential impact he could bring, tallying 11 points, four rebounds, three assists and two steals. More importantly, he shot 3-of-5 from beyond the arc, showing flashes of the sharpshooter they envisioned.
Reality, for perhaps the first time this season, is finally starting to resemble the lofty expectations laid out for him when the acquisition was first made over the offseason.
It's clear Trent's early struggles didn't paint the full picture of his skill
It’s been a rocky start for Trent in Milwaukee, with many fans wondering if he’d be able to shake off an uninspired stretch of performances.
Even coming off the bench, his numbers had been unremarkable, his shooting inconsistent and his defensive presence largely minimal. But, as any NBA player knows, finding your rhythm on a new team doesn’t happen overnight. Trent’s shooting form and defensive instincts have always been his bread and butter, and while that hadn’t shown up consistently on the box score, those foundational skills were still there.
The issue may have been more about finding his fit than a decline in skill. With a team full of veterans who have their own established roles, Trent has needed time to figure out his place. But this showing against Detroit may signal he’s finally settling in and ready to contribute in the way the Milwaukee Bucks had hoped.
His shot selection was sharp, spacing the floor and giving Giannis Antetokounmpo more room to operate. Hitting 60 percent from deep was a promising sight for a team that ranks 17th in the league in 3-point shooting percentage (35.3 percent). Trent’s presence as a reliable perimeter threat is precisely what the Milwaukee Bucks need to keep opposing defenses honest.
His contributions weren’t limited to offense, too. He chipped in four rebounds and added two steals, showcasing the defensive tenacity that earned him a reputation as a disruptive guard. He’s never been the most imposing on-ball defender, but his quick hands and instincts give him an edge in making plays that spark momentum. And with Milwaukee’s roster skewing older, the Bucks are desperate for that kind of energy off the bench.
"Gary can shoot, and I kept saying that it's gotta come at some point...and then he came out and shot the ball tonight. So he needed to see the ball go in, period. And then once he saw the ball go in, the ball kept going in for him," head coach Doc Rivers said of Trent Jr in his post-game press conference.
Trent was brought in to be a difference-maker, and he's proven he can be
If Trent can replicate this performance consistently, he’ll be invaluable to the Milwaukee Bucks' rotation and could potentially earn back his starting duties.
The Bucks have championship ambitions, and every contender needs that kind of player—a guy who can come in, heat up and swing the momentum in critical moments. Trent has the skill set to be that spark plug, and the Milwaukee Bucks would be wise to see his early struggles as growing pains rather than a permanent problem.
The Bucks brought Trent in with the hope that he could evolve into a reliable two-way contributor. His size, shooting stroke and knack for big moments are traits that don’t come easily, and letting go too soon could be a mistake the Bucks regret. His potential to be a difference-maker is still intact, as he showed against Detroit, and the Bucks’ season may be long—but so is the learning curve for players adapting to new roles in new systems.
Consistency will be the key for Trent moving forward. If he can build on this breakout game and string together performances like this, the Bucks might finally get the boost they’ve been searching for in the backcourt. At the end of the day, Milwaukee doesn't need him to be a star; they just need him to play his role to perfection, and for one night, at least, he proved he’s capable of doing just that.
"Last night after the game, Gary drove right from here, right across the street and went in the gym and took a thousand shots. And I'm not exaggerating - a thousand shots, and then he comes in here and makes it. People don't see the work just because you don't see the results, but guys are putting in the work. It's a great sign for Gary and I'm happy for him," Rivers also said.
Perhaps the most telling moment of the night was this: after playing his best game as a Milwaukee Buck, Trent Jr. made sure to get a few more shots up once the gym cleared out.
It’s time for the Bucks to double down on their patience with Trent. With continued support and the right opportunities, he might just turn into the difference-maker Milwaukee hoped he’d be.
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