NBA News: Toronto Raptors Forward Is Helping Once-Paralyzed Best Friend Walk Again

Since entering the NBA in 2018, second-rounder Gary Trent Jr. has made a significant impact on the court for both the Portland Trail Blazers and Toronto Raptors.

The 22-year-old wing man is averaging career-highs in points (15.2) and rebounds (2.5), playing in bigger rotation minutes (30.9/game).

But even more inspiring is what he's doing away from the hardcourt.

In February 2018, college basketball player Jordan Bolton—Trent's best friend—suffered a catastrophic accident that left him with a 5% chance of ever returning to normal.

Bolton and Trent Jr. go a long way back. Once high school rivals, they played together for Apple Valley and won a Minnesota state championship.

Then playing college hoops for Lake Region State in North Dakota, Bolton was partying with his teammates when he took three cannabis edibles according to his mother Tiffany Elliot.

"I tweaked out. I didn't have any sense of reality, really, and ran full head of steam into a wall. I could feel my neck was broken," Bolton shared about the night of his unfortunate accident in an ESPN video.

"I saw a glimpse of what my funeral would look like. I thought I wasn't going to be ready."

Findings were brutally discouraging as Bolton was paralyzed from the neck down, not feeling anything below the chest after an incomplete spinal cord injury.

Trent Jr. bared he was in a team film session when the devastating news broke out; he did not have any clear recollection of the night anymore.

A few weeks after, the former Duke Blue Devil visited his best friend for the first time since the accident.

"That's my best friend. We grew up together, played basketball together, just created a bond that will never be broken," Bolton said.

From that point, it was clear Trent Jr. was determined to be by his pal's side and do whatever it takes to bring Bolton's life to a better situation.

His inspiring mission has touched the heart of his long-time companion, who is equally thankful for their unique bond.

"I really can't put into words how great of a friend and guy he is," Bolton added. "He does a lot of things behind the scenes like calling me every day to make sure I am doing my workouts."

As of April, Bolton is now able to feel his hands and sit upright without needing much assistance.

He has shed more light regarding his progress on Twitter.

The story is a testament to how basketball can lead to meaningful life-long relationships that truly impact those involved.

"The word friendship means being there for somebody, being accountable, and always being there for them, good or bad," Trent Jr. furthered.

"They are like brothers. They would do anything for each other. It's just really an incredible friendship," Elliot said.

For Trent Jr., it's about doing whatever it takes on and off the court.