Raptors legend Gary Trent Jr. is feeling the love in Toronto
Since being acquired at the NBA trade deadline, Raptors guard Gary Trent Jr. has wasted no time getting acclimated with his new team and has become an instant fan favourite in Toronto.
In his six appearances as a Raptor, Trent Jr. has already made his mark on the franchise. He scored a career-high 31 points against the Oklahoma City Thunder, recorded the highest plus-minus in franchise history — and second-highest in NBA history — at plus-54 against the Golden State Warriors, and hit a buzzer-beating three-pointer in a comeback win against the Washington Wizards on Monday, becoming the youngest player in franchise history to accomplish the feat.
What a treat this 3-game stretch from Gary Trent Jr. has been pic.twitter.com/XpnxunQlPS
— Yahoo Sports Canada (@YahooCASports) April 6, 2021
Over his last four contests, Trent Jr. has averaged 21.5 points per game while shooting 50 percent from the field and 51.5 percent from beyond the arc.
While Raptors fans can only admire from afar as the season plays out at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Fla., the 22-year-old guard is definitely feeling the love and can’t wait to experience the home crowd in Toronto.
Can't wait to come back home. #WeTheNorth pic.twitter.com/Lprevayjg4
— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) April 6, 2021
“I still get so much love from the fans throughout the internet — good game, bad game, every DM,” Trent Jr. said after Monday’s game. “They’re still showing love regardless, so I can only imagine what it’s like in-person. I can’t wait to get out there.”
But it’s his off-the-court actions that seem to be gaining more notoriety among fans during his tenure with the organization.
Whether it’s striking up a friendship with OG Anunoby or learning how to pronounce Yuta Watanabe’s name correctly, it’s safe to say he’s already solidified himself in the hearts of Raptors fans everywhere.
It’s OG and Gary Trent Jr’s world and we’re all just living in it. pic.twitter.com/U84MoWM4uT
— Indu 🌙 (@_indusvalley) April 6, 2021
gary trent jr’s commitment to pronouncing yuta’s name properly is the best part about the 2020-21 raptors season
— alex (@steven_lebron) April 6, 2021
If the Raptors win the championship this year I will replicate all of Gary Trent Jr.'s tattoos
— kelsea (@kelsea_lately) April 6, 2021
Gary Trent Jr is only 22 years old.
OG/GTJ/Flynn is a very good young core to be excited about if you're a Raptors fan.— Esfandiar | Darth Es (@JustEsBaraheni) April 6, 2021
can we talk about how cool gary trent jr is
— Sean Woodley (@woodleysean) April 6, 2021
hello everyone id like you all to say this out loud today whether you’re working, studying, on your leisure time or out running errands. trust me it’s very simple and boosts your mental health. ready?
gary
trent
jr.
is
a
toronto
raptor— gary trent jr. is a toronto raptor (@sAbdi28) April 6, 2021
The Raptors have now won back-to-back games for the first time since February and will look to extend their streak against the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday.
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