Should Blazers Start Sizzling Scoot Henderson?

Over his last 21 games, a stretch that extends back to Dec.

21, Portland Trail Blazers guard Scoot Henderson has looked as good as ever.

The second-year guard has been averaging 14.4 points, 5.4 assists, and 1.3 steals per game, numbers that dont scream All-Star but are definitely solid.

Aside from him taking better care of the ball, whats been different in that time is hes been efficient.

Not just around the rim or outside the three-point circle but both.

His .471.-427.-768 shooting splits would all be career-highs if managed to maintain those numbers for an entire season.

Should Blazers Start Sizzling Scoot Henderson? Multiple scouts have pointed out the importance of Hendersons increased confidence as a shooter.

It naturally helps him make better decisions within the flow of the game.

It gives him more space to create in the pick-and-roll because opponents cant sag off him.

Whats most impressive though isnt that the Blazers are consistently winning in Hendersons minutes.

Its that they seem to have taken a step forward as a franchise, winning six of their last seven games.

It leads to the question of whether he should be promoted in the near future, especially as hes been seen as Damian Lillards successor since being drafted.

Scoot Henderson over his last 10 games: 17.6 PPG 5.9 APG 51/49/79 splits 67% true shooting THE BLAZERS HAVE WON 6 OF 7 pic.twitter.com/A7rbOAxZ62 The Lead (@TheLeadSM) January 31, 2025 Perhaps its too early to reward Henderson with that much confidence.

Nonetheless, with his improvements and Portland 3-2 in his last five starts, theres reason to believe that its the best decision moving forward.

The Anfernee Simons Question What that means for Anfernee Simons , a sensational offensive player, is worth questioning.

Hendersons evolution hasnt really had a negative effect on his play.

Indeed, hes been averaging 19.0 points and 4.7 assists per game on .432-.419-.900 shooting splits since Dec.

21.

Yet, the Blazers hot stretch has also been a byproduct of improved defense.

In fact, over their last seven games, theyve held five teams to under 110 points (three teams were held to under 100 points).

Aside from the size concerns that come along with starting Henderson and Simons in the backcourt is the fact that Deni Avdija and Toumani Camara have been their best perimeter defenders as of late.

Furthermore, Camara has primarily been slotted as a forward this season but hes capable of guarding 2s.

Lastly, barring a trade , the ultra-versatile Jerami Grant appears to have a vice-grip on his starting spot.

Starting Henderson alongside Camara, Avdija, Grant and Deandre Ayton might lower their offensive ceiling due to how well Simons can break down a defense.

However, if Henderson continues to have the advantage in terms of efficiency, that might change.

Turning The Page Despite the Blazers status as a rebuilding team, they have more talent than their record has shown.

Aside from injuries, the problem has been its taken their young players more time to develop than they might have expected.

Acquiring Avdija from the Washington Wizards last July has helped move them forward .

Hes far more potent offensively than Matisse Thybulle , Kris Murray and Jabari Walker , who started 71 games combined in 2023-24.

Hes a better defender than Shaedon Sharpe , who Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups demoted to the second unit for that very reason.

Still, Hendersons rookie struggles were definitely a factor in last seasons 21-61 record.

He averaged 14.0 points and 5.4 assists per game.

Yet, he was turnover-prone, lacked touch beyond the arc and had issues converting in the paint.

He had outstanding flashes at the defensive end but looked like a chicken with its head cut off at other times.

Mistakes and a learning curve were expected.

After all, it was his first year in the NBA.

Nonetheless, people who work for and simply watch the NBA arent known to be patient.

They also tend to make comparisons.

To that point, Henderson was being outshined by San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama , a uniquely dominant player who went No.

1 in 2023.

Even Charlotte Hornets swingman Brandon Miller , the 2023 No.

2 pick, looked much better than him.

Honestly, he was so underwhelming that people were questioning how anyone ever thought he could be the better prospect.

Henderson looks like hes changing the narrative now and pretty early, too.

Should he turn the page completely, the Blazers will be ready to enter their next chapter .

This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission..

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