"Control what I can control. Just continue to work. If the opportunity comes I'll just be ready."

Those were the words of Gary Trent, Jr. six months ago following the Trail Blazers final Summer League game in Las Vegas.

Here he is present day-- "I've been waiting for this opportunity, so just take full advantage of it, play hard, control what I can control. "

It's fair to say that Trent controlling what he can control is truly paying off.

In five games at the 2019 MGM Resorts Summer League, Trent averaged 20.6 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.8 assists.

Many wondered if the 37th overall pick of the 2018 draft would be able to bring that confidence and knockdown shooting ability when he faced the big boys.

Now, we know.

And yes... yes, he can.

Trent has been key to Portland's recent success with his play on both ends of the court. He is a role player who has figured out exactly what his team needs from him.

Damian Lillard couldn't be more proud of the second-year player.

"You just love to see it," Lillard said after Sunday's win over the Heat. "I told him the other day – I don't know if I've ever been more proud or happier for another player or a younger player since I've been in the league than I am of what he's been doing. Second round pick – he's a McDonald's All American, went to Duke and you know, he comes out and doesn't get opportunity right away, has a lot to learn. He was young, 19 years old, his dad played in the league – so I mean, he just had a lot to figure out and he did it."

Over the summer, he did the work. He came back in shape, he was lean, low body fat, you could tell he was picking up the plays easier; he was picking up the defensive assignments easier. You can just tell he was locked in from camp and still came to start the season and wasn't playing a lot, but he stayed with it and I think all of those things that he did from day one as far as growing up and getting better and paying attention, it's just shining right now and it looks good. It's not like garbage minutes – he's doing it in the first half, he's doing it in big stretches of the game, towards the end of the game. And, I think it shows in how everybody's showing trust in him… Super happy for him. -- Lillard on the emergence of Gary Trent Jr.

With injuries piling up this season, the Blazers have had a challenging road trying to figure out how to play together. It's been difficult for Portland to find a consistent second unit player, too.

Until now.

In his last 10 games, Trent is averaging 13.1 points on 50 percent shooting from the floor, including 46.8 percent shooting from distance.

His extra scoring punch is what the Blazers haven't had, but needed all season. He has turned into the Jake Layman or Nik Stauskas-type where they might not be on the scouting report, but when they get hot, WATCH OUT.

Trent is also averaging 1.1 steal in the same time period.

The result? The Blazers have gone 7-3.

The 21-year-old is a self-proclaimed "dog" on the court, and that's just the type of mentality the Blazers need as they look to get back into the playoff race.

Trent was the second leading scorer in Sunday's win over the Heat with 22 points off the bench. He went 8-of-11 from the field and 5-of-7 from three-point range. His defensive also provided a big spark as well with four steals on the night.

Trent's consistency, confidence, and toughness isn't going unnoticed.

"I think if you look at Gary Trent and how he's really come along, I think he's certainly grown," Blazers head coach Terry Stotts said Sunday. "He's playing with a lot of confidence. But I think the passing, he's had some good looks, I think that helps, he's a really good shooter, he's a confident shooter, that helps. But he's gained a lot of experience over time and the opportunity that he has now because of injuries he's taken advantage of it. But a lot of it is him taking advantage of the opportunity more than anything. I think he's grown defensively, I've said that many times, but I think that's carried over to his offense as well."

Carmelo Antony, who has seen many young players grow over his 17-year career, discussed how he can respect the journey that Trent is on at that moment.

"It's called confidence," Melo said. "We instill the confidence in him. We let him know how important he is to this team and what we're trying to do trying to accomplish--His hard work is paying off."

Story continues