Scoot Henderson
After Damian Lillard‘s departure, Scoot Henderson is called upon to take up his legacy in Portland. Last season, the third overall pick in the 2023 draft averaged 12.5 points and 5.2 assists, but showed the greatest signs of growth towards the end of the season (16.6 points and 7.1 assists on average after the All-Star break). . However, shooting efficiency remains among the elements to improve – just 38.5% from the field last year, a poor 40% this season – and the lost balls (3.4 in the past regular season): if he were to make it, Henderson could get to All-Star numbers in a couple of yearsestablishing himself as the future of the franchise.
Jaden Ivey
After a promising first year, in which he found a lot of space following the injury of his teammate Cade Cunnigham, Jaden Ivey he experienced a very complicated sophomore year under the management of Monty Williams: not only did his offensive production drop, but also his decision making and shooting skills appeared to deteriorate. In his third season among the pros, therefore, the former Purdue player aims to regain his confidence, also because he will have to convince the front office to confirm himunder penalty of an extension as a restricted free agent.
In the preseason Ivey therefore showed excellent signs, regaining feeling when shooting and producing an unreal 53% of shots from long range.
It is unthinkable that he can maintain this percentage even in the regular season, but his seasonal goal is to become reliable second offensive weapon alongside Cunningham, and for the moment he is succeeding: in the first eight games he hit 41% from behind the three-point line, raising his offensive production to 19.8 points per nightboth career highs. Should this continue, the Pistons player could become a serious candidate for the Most Improved Player of the Year award.
