The Portland Trail Blazers selected Scoot Henderson with the 7th overall pick in the 2023 NBA draft. Henderson is a 6’4″ guard from IMG Academy who is known for his athleticism and defensive potential. He is not a great shooter, but he has the potential to be a lockdown defender and a secondary ball-handler.
The Blazers are currently in a state of flux. They have not made the playoffs since 2019 and Damian Lillard has requested a trade. It is unclear what the future holds for the Blazers, but Henderson could be a key part of their rebuild.
If the Blazers decide to trade Lillard, they will likely look to acquire young players and draft picks. Henderson could be a valuable asset in a trade, as he is a young player with potential. However, if the Blazers decide to keep Lillard, Henderson could be a valuable role player on a playoff team.
The Blazers have a lot of options in the coming years. They could trade Lillard and rebuild, or they could keep him and try to build a contender. Henderson is a versatile player who could fit into either plan. It will be interesting to see how the Blazers use him in the future.
Here are some possible scenarios for the Blazers and Henderson:
- The Blazers trade Lillard and rebuild around Henderson. This would be a long-term project, but it could pay off in the future. Henderson has the potential to be a star, and he would be the centerpiece of the rebuild.
- The Blazers keep Lillard and use Henderson as a role player. This would be a more immediate approach, as Lillard would give the Blazers a chance to compete in the playoffs. Henderson could provide some much-needed defense and playmaking off the bench.
- The Blazers trade Henderson for another player. This would be a more unpredictable option, but it could give the Blazers a different look. The Blazers could trade Henderson for a player who fits their timeline better, or they could trade him for a veteran who could help them win now.
Only time will tell what the future holds for the Blazers and Henderson. However, Henderson is a talented player who could have a significant impact on the team’s future.