x
Scoot Henderson’s Struggles Could Make Blazers’ Future Bleak
Brett Davis-Imagn Images

The Portland Trail Blazers’ future should be bright, but it is looking a bit bleak at the moment. As one of the biggest pieces for the long-term future, Scoot Henderson‘s struggles are becoming an issue. Since he became Tiago Splitter’s choice starter recently, his struggles have not been a good look.

Scoot Henderson’s Struggles Could Make Blazers’ Future Bleak

Scoot Henderson is only 12 games into his 2025-26 campaign. He missed the first half of the season because he tore his hamstring right before training camp. With Tiago Splitter now in charge, it can be an unfamiliar system for him.

Henderson is among the Blazers’ future building blocks, and his struggles are concerning, particularly over the last few games. Splitter picked him as a de facto starter with Deni Avdija and Shaedon Sharpe sidelined. Unfortunately, Henderson is struggling to adapt to the new role.

The Blazers’ Future Is Concerning Because Of Henderson

In 2023, people were genuinely excited about Henderson’s potential. He was the second-most popular prospect behind Victor Wembanyama. Henderson received comparisons to players like Russell Westbrook because of his athleticism. At the same time, he also showcased high-level playmaking.

While Blazers fans have seen the potential, he is far away from his pre-draft expectations. Many saw him as a generational point guard prospect, but he has struggled in the NBA. He always has the eye for a good pass, but he turns the ball over quite often.

Offensively, he also struggles with his jump shot and finishing at the rim. Considering that he has all the physical tools, it is concerning how much he stumbles. Nowadays, he still has all the talent and physical attributes, but he is not playing well.

In the Blazers’ latest game against the Houston Rockets, he only played 20 minutes despite being a starter. He only made one field goal, and he was basically non-existent throughout the game. It appears that Splitter’s choice to make him a starter backfired, which is not a good look moving forward.

Henderson’s Struggles Could Be A Long-Term Issue


Feb 26, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Scoot Henderson (00) is defended by Chicago Bulls forward Matas Buzelis (14) during the second half of an NBA game at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

While everyone in the Rip City community acknowledges Henderson’s talent, his issues are tough to ignore. Legitimate concerns are popping up about his long-term viability in Portland. Henderson’s struggles are mostly about his waning confidence and efficiency.

Moving forward, the Blazers must address Henderson’s problems. Playing him without a long-term plan should not happen. Thankfully, he has Jrue Holiday and Damian Lillard in his era to guide him to do the right things.

Despite recent shortcomings, Henderson is not short of talent. He just needs a good push in the right direction, which Holiday, Lillard, and other veterans can do. It is tough to stomach a top-three pick in this position, but it is the reality.

If the Blazers want to have a bright future, they must do their best to help Henderson. They have all the mentors to guide him; it is up to the coaches to assist in that. Splitter’s choice of making him a starter can go even better because he just needs the right advice.

Splitter’s Choice Can Motivate Henderson Better

Apart from the veteran players, Splitter should also do much better. He is the team’s acting head coach, and he can also make an impact during games. Splitter must do better at motivating Henderson and help in resolving his struggles.

Most people know that Henderson is still a young player, so he needs guidance. The lack of a training camp and minutes alongside his many teammates is tough. Splitter has a lot of avenues to take when it comes to motivating Henderson to run the offense.

In the long run, Henderson only needs Splitter’s trust. He was already Splitter’s choice as a starter, but that can change. If he continues on this current path, Splitter may pull him out of the starting rotation. With that kind of threat, Henderson can get the motivation to play better and deliver on his potential.

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

More must-reads:

Customize Your Newsletter

Yardbarker +

Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!