Will Damian Lillard play for the Portland Trail Blazers again? It seems unlikely. From the Blazers’ perspective, this isn’t a big deal; Portland already has a possible successor in Scoot Henderson. His potential is enormous, but the 19-year-old is not afraid of the big shoes to fill.
The Summer League should often be viewed with caution. It often has little to do with the actual NBA and many things simply cannot be replicated. But some things can be seen and even though Scoot Henderson only played one game in Las Vegas, almost everyone agreed: This boy has that certain something.
In the duel with No. 4 pick Amen Thompson, the new Portland Trail Blazers guard completely controlled the action. He scored from the middle distance, left Thompson standing with his quick first step and skillfully distributed the ball to his teammates. His motto “Overly Determined to Dominate”, which he had already protected last year, was definitely his motto.
Scoot Henderson: The legitimate successor to Damian Lillard
Anyone who had never seen Henderson play before had an idea why Portland, despite pressure from franchise star Damian Lillard, did not trade that pick and, in Henderson, drafted a player who occupies the same position as the umpteen-time All-Star. “I will go my own way, regardless of whether it goes or stays,” said Henderson dryly, commenting on the somewhat strange situation, which has still not been resolved.
Portland may have also enjoyed those 21 minutes, although the uncertainty factor was somewhat smaller for Henderson than for other colleagues in his class – such as Thompson. Portland, a historically branded child in the NBA Draft (Bowie before Jordan, Oden over Durant), didn’t do any wild things, but opted for the supposedly safe option and also benefited from the Charlotte Hornets, who drafted Brandon Miller at two because they already had a young playmaker in LaMelo Ball.
Maybe the Blazers just got lucky this year – and there couldn’t have been a better time for it. Damian Lillard is still a Blazers player, but you don’t have to be a prophet that sooner or later the All-Star will get his wish and chase a ring with another team. That wouldn’t have worked with Portland, and Henderson won’t change that.
Scoot Henderson: Not your average rookie
Nevertheless, the Blazers are now in a solid position. In the event of a trade, you won’t be starting from scratch; with Henderson and last year’s pick Shaedon Sharpe, there are already pieces of the puzzle for a rebuild, even if Portland without Lillard will be one, if not the worst team in the NBA. The biggest piece of the puzzle, however, is Henderson, who can definitely be trusted to take over the keys immediately.
The 19-year-old himself has no doubts about it: “I have no problem taking responsibility. If he [Lillard, Anm. d. Red.] I’ll accept my role. I will jump at the chance to be the point guard on this team.”
It’s not just the words that make it clear that Scoot is not your typical rookie. All you need to do is take a look at his career and the professional structures that already exist in his environment. In addition, he has a body that – often atypical for a guard – is already NBA-ready. Although 1.88 meters is no longer the optimal height for the one in today’s NBA, Henderson is already a real powerhouse.
Scoot Henderson: The youngest US professional of all time
It paid off that the point guard didn’t take the usual route, but instead spent two years in the G-League and – similar to talents from Europe – tested himself against professionals early on and was promoted accordingly. At the age of 17, he was already an integral part of the rotation and had the task of letting upcoming NBA players like Jalen Green, MarJon Beauchamp and Dyson Daniels shine and did so with flying colors.
“When he’s in the hall, you don’t even notice he’s 17 years old,” Ignite coach Jason Hart told Andscape. “He’s a bit like Kobe. He has such drive, he’s almost obsessed.” Otherwise such a career would not have been possible. Professional contracts are only available from the NBA G League program if you successfully complete high school, Henderson did this 18 months earlier than usual – with a two-game average. The basis for Henderson becoming the youngest US professional in American basketball history.
Everything about Henderson is planned, the career path is mapped out. The family also plays a big role here. Father Chris is a basketball coach and fitness trainer, and together with his wife he runs a hall in Marietta, Georgia, where Henderson can be found regularly. Scoot is one of seven children, with the youngest sister Moochie (17) also being considered a huge talent.
Scoot Henderson: His stats in the G-League
Scoot Henderson: Learning from Stephen Curry
Everyone in the Henderson family played basketball, but the two youngest can now do it and are supported accordingly. The three older sisters Onyx, Diamond and China take care of the social media activities, while father Chris helps with the workouts and other business.
A collaboration with Stephen Curry was initiated in May. The Warriors star has trained with Henderson a few times now and is one of many former guards whose knowledge the No. 3 pick was able to absorb. This is also noticeable. Henderson was consistently fed information. In the G-League, Coach Hart and the experienced and well-traveled Pooh Jeter look after the youngster, now Henderson comes into the hands of Chauncey Billups, one of the best guards of his time, while Jeter was hired as a development coach in Portland.
“Overly Dedicated to Dominate” isn’t just an empty phrase, the efforts speak for themselves. Nothing is left to chance and Henderson seems so clear-headed that the plan can work. His talent cannot be overlooked anyway. In many ways, Henderson is reminiscent of a young Derrick Rose, blessed with tremendous athleticism while reading the game so well and having the instincts of a true point guard.
Scoot Henderson: Wembanyama also pays respect
In addition, Henderson always wears himself out defensively and was able to become a difference player despite being just 1.88 meters tall. “He just doesn’t back down. He has absolutely no fear and I love that,” praised Celtics star Jaylen Brown, who also comes from the Atlanta metropolitan area.
These qualities were also evident almost a year ago in Las Vegas when top pick Victor Wembanyama and his Metropolitans 92 played against Henderson’s G League team. The show ultimately belonged to the Frenchman, but the guard was in no way inferior to the man of the hour. “I am unique. There is hardly anyone as ambitious and dogged as me,” said Henderson at the time, and Wembanyama was also full of praise.
“If I had never been born, then he would have deserved the first pick,” said Wemby with a wink, and he wasn’t entirely wrong. Henderson isn’t really sad about it, after all, his situation in Portland isn’t the worst either. Now the drama surrounding Lillard has to finally come to an end – then the path is clear for Henderson.
2023-09-27 06:06:00
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