31. Utah Jazz Two-Way Guard Trent Forrest

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – The Utah Jazz open their season on October 20, just 31 days from today. With the clock ticking, we look at 50 things for Jazz fans to be excited about leading up to the 2021-22 NBA season. Coming in at number 31, Jazz second-year guard Trent Forrest.

Utah Jazz Two-Way Guard Trent Forrest

Forrest will return to the Jazz for the second consecutive season on a two-way contract. The former Florida State guard signed with the Jazz shortly after going undrafted in 2020, agreeing to a two-way contract almost immediately.

Though the move seemed minor at the time, Forrest proved to be one of the Jazz’s best value signings of the offseason.

Despite modest averages of 2.9 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 1.5 assists, Forrest exceeded most expectations during his rookie season appearing in 30 regular season games, and bringing a much-needed steadiness to the point guard position in the absence of Mike Conley and Donovan Mitchell.

Our countdown of the top 50 reasons to be excited for the 2021-22 @utahjazz season. #TakeNote https://t.co/X45AS6m2de

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) September 8, 2021

Over a 10-game stretch between April-May, Forrest averaged 7.0 points 3.4 rebounds, and 2.5 assists while playing 18.5 minutes per game with both All-Star guards sidelined.

The former Seminole followed it up with an even more impressive performance during summer league with the Jazz.

Forrest led the Jazz in scoring at 15.8 points while also dishing out 6.8 assists, and grabbing 6.0 rebounds per game playing in both Salt Lake City and Las Vegas. Most importantly, he showed an improved feel for the offense and a dramatically improved jump shot.

"Knowing that I'm coming back with the Jazz was a big thing for me, and to come out with these guys and get a win just makes it even better."

Trent Forrest (@TForrest_11) spoke with @RebeccaHaarlow after Utah's 2OT win. pic.twitter.com/76u8rjfuhE

— NBA TV (@NBATV) August 12, 2021

Last season, Forrest shot just 19 percent from three, not nearly good enough to be considered a threat on the perimeter. But in seven appearances during summer league, the guard knocked down 7-18 deep balls for a very healthy 38 percent.

It’s a small sample size, but it’s a step in the right direction from his poor rookie year.

Behind Mitchell, Conley, Joe Ingles, and Sixth Man of the Year Jordan Clarkson, Forrest finds himself competing for playing time in one of the most crowded backcourts in the league.

we enjoy watching @TForrest_11 play basketball pic.twitter.com/i1n66Gpjii

— utahjazz (@utahjazz) August 15, 2021

To make matters more difficult, the team drafted rookie Jared Butler out of Baylor in the second round. However, after his success last season and in this year’s summer league, Forrest has proven he’s worthy of a bigger role in the NBA.

Outside of a starting role on the Salt Lake City Stars and a salary of nearly a half-million dollars, little is guaranteed for second-year guard this year. But with his improvement over the summer and signs of promise as a rookie, Forrest’s trajectory is one of the top 50 Jazz storylines to monitor ahead of opening night.