Mar 9, 2025; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Scoot Henderson (00) dribbles the ball past Detroit Pistons forward Ausar Thompson (9) in the first half at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-Imagn Images

'Can They Score Enough to Push Into the Playoff Picture?' – Portland Trail Blazers Get Worrying Outlook From Analyst Ahead of 2025-26

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated Aug 19, 2025 10:11 AM ET

The Portland Trail Blazers will attempt to qualify for the playoffs for the first time since 2021, following their encouraging late stretch in the 2024-25 regular season.

This summer, they acquired Jrue Holiday, Damian Lillard, and Blake Wesley while losing Anfernee Simons and Deandre Ayton in the process, leaving ESPN’s Zach Kram concerned about their offense next season.

“Portland is a team on the rise after a strong finish to the 2024-25 season and a go-for-it summer that brought Jrue Holiday and Damian Lillard to Portland,” Kram said. “With a frontcourt of Deni Avdija, Toumani Camara, and Donovan Clingan, the Trail Blazers could boast one of the best defenses in the league.”

Jan 21, 2025; Miami, Florida, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Scoot Henderson (00) drives to the basket past Miami Heat forward Duncan Robinson (55) and center Kel’el Ware (7) during the second quarter at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

“But will Portland score enough to push into the playoff picture? With Lillard unlikely to return this season, the Blazers will have to rely on Scoot Henderson to generate a lot of their offense. Out of 30 point guards with at least 1,000 minutes and an above-average usage rate this past season, Henderson ranked 29th in turnover rate, according to Stathead, ahead of only Russell Westbrook,” he concluded.

Portland Trail Blazers News: Scoot Henderson was seen working out with new veteran teammate

Portland Trail Blazers guard Scoot Henderson was recently seen working out with new teammate Jrue Holiday. In a 30-minute video posted by professional trainer Chris Johnson, the two worked together on several ball-handling, scoring, and footwork drills.

Mar 20, 2024; Portland, Oregon, USA; LA Clippers center Ivica Zubac (40) defends Portland Trail Blazers guard Scoot Henderson (00) in the first half at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports

With Anfernee Simons gone, Henderson is expected to shoulder the heavy load for the Portland Trail Blazers next season, with Holiday as his likely backup.

In his sophomore NBA campaign, Henderson averaged 12.7 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 5.1 assists on 41.9 percent shooting from the field across 66 regular season appearances (10 starts).