Scoot Henderson's damage was far more devastating than followers even notice

When the Portland Path Blazers drafted Scoot Henderson in 2023, they believed that they’d their level guard of the long run and potential franchise participant. They ended up buying and selling away Damian Lillard to provide the backcourt keys to Henderson.

Henderson had an erratic rookie season, however he confirmed flashes of his potential on occasion. His athleticism jumped off the web page, and his go off the dribble was additionally a energy. His second season was a lot better, as his effectivity rose, and he reduce down on his turnovers. Nevertheless, his season was reduce quick attributable to damage.

He was anticipated to construct on this in 12 months 3, however Henderson suffered a torn hamstring throughout offseason exercises that has clouded his probabilities of enjoying this season.

Scoot Henderson nonetheless would not have a return date

The final replace we obtained in regards to the younger Portland level guard was from HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto. Scotto reported two weeks in the past that Henderson simply began non-contact work and that he could be re-evaluated in two weeks.

Whereas it’s encouraging that Henderson has progressed to on-court work, the truth is that we gained’t see the guard swimsuit up for the Blazers for some time. The method to return to play after a hamstring damage like that takes some time, and he nonetheless has many hurdles to clear, like progressing to contact work, then full-on five-on-five. 

We’d not see Henderson till after the All-Star break at this fee, and even then, his position in Portland could also be unclear. The group has been thriving with Deni Avdija main the best way, as he has constructed a compelling All-Star case. 

Scoot Henderson’s Blazers future is in limbo

The match was additionally awkward with Henderson and Avdija final season. The group had a -3.7 web ranking with them on the ground, however the offense was productive in these minutes (118.0 offensive ranking).

It stays to be seen how Henderson will slot in with this present iteration of the Blazers. With Shaedon Sharpe, Jrue Vacation, and Caleb Love now within the combine, Portland’s backcourt is crowded. They’ve additionally succeeded with out Henderson, because the Blazers are 7-3 of their final ten video games. 

Hopefully Henderson could make his manner again to the ground, however integrating him right into a group that has been thriving with out him gained’t be simple. Whereas it’s unlikely they reduce ties with Henderson this summer season, his long-term future with the Blazers is certainly in query as they enter the subsequent section of their rebuild.