Doc Rivers has not kept things overly secretive about his Milwaukee Bucks team in the early days of NBA training camp.
The head coach has let it be known that he's been rather pleased with the team's defensive effort and that they are working on new things constantly. When talking about the defense, it's impossible not to mention newcomer Gary Trent Jr. The guard, who will likely start this season, will shoulder significant responsibility on that side of the court this season, and the Bucks need him to hold his own.
In news that will have Milwaukee Bucks fans pleased, Doc Rivers praised Trent's efforts on defense early on in training camp, highlighting the physical nature the guard has played with.
"Just his physicality. Very physical defensive guard. And he's proven he can play defense. He's played it on a team where he didn't have to as much, and he's doing that in camp so far."
Bucks' Gary Trent Jr. is impressing early in camp
Health aside, Gary Trent Jr.'s defense might be Milwaukee's biggest X-factor this coming season if he does indeed start. Unlike most of last season, the Bucks need a player next to Damian Lillard who can take defensive responsibility off the star point guard, allowing him to focus more on offense. Though not a stout defender, Trent has the physical tools and drive to play this role to a T.
Although the preseason is just the preseason, Trent's defense will be one of the prominent things to watch for on Milwaukee's end. If he does indeed back up Rivers' praise and performs well on that end of the court, he can cement his status as a starter and put the Milwaukee Bucks into a good position heading into the 2024-25 NBA season.
This will be the most significant defensive responsibility Trent has assumed in his entire NBA career. The 25-year-old guard made it clear that he's willing to do whatever it takes to help this team win at the highest level, and above all else, they need his defense. As we wait for the team to hit the court, this is a welcoming update from Doc Rivers and should give Gary Trent Jr. some added confidence.
Trent, Rivers and the Milwaukee Bucks open the preseason on October 6 against the Detroit Pistons before the regular season begins on October 23 versus the Philadelphia 76ers.
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