While the Portland Trail Blazers might not be heading to the playoffs this season, they’ve got a lineup that hints at a promising future, thanks in part to some rising stars. Scoot Henderson, in his second year, is turning heads with his ongoing improvement and recent performances.
According to Evan Sidery, Henderson has been impressive over the past couple of months, averaging 15.3 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 5.2 assists. His efficiency is notable, boasting a true shooting percentage of 60.1 and sinking 41.9% of his shots from downtown.
As highlighted by Sidery in a recent tweet, Henderson’s growth is drawing attention:
“Former No. 3 overall pick Scoot Henderson has shown impressive development for the Trail Blazers over the last two months.”
Despite the Trail Blazers’ current standing as the 13th seed in the Western Conference with a 28-39 record, the fanbase is excited, particularly with Henderson’s progression. On average this season, he’s scoring 12.7 points, grabbing 3 rebounds, and dishing out 5.1 assists, slightly below his rookie year performance. Nonetheless, Portland supporters are increasingly optimistic about his potential as the team’s future cornerstone.
Henderson entered the league at a challenging time, as the Blazers were redefining themselves after Damian Lillard’s departure. He was drafted third, following Brandon Miller and Victor Wembanyama, amidst a class that included names like Ausar and Amen Thompson, Dereck Lively II, and Brandin Podziemski.
Initially, Henderson’s rookie year seemed overshadowed, and some fans were unsure if he was meeting the hype. However, he’s clearly refining his skills and gaining confidence in his leadership role. This recent uptick in his game suggests he’s on track to deliver on the high expectations.
