Should Blazers Start Sizzling Scoot Henderson?

Perhaps it’s too early to reward Henderson with that much confidence. Nonetheless, with his improvements and Portland 3-2 in his last five starts, there’s reason to believe that it’s the best decision moving forward.

The Anfernee Simons Question

What that means for Anfernee Simons, a sensational offensive player, is worth questioning. Henderson’s evolution hasn’t really had a negative effect on his play. Indeed, he’s 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, they’ve 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 he’s 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 it’s 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. He’s far more potent offensively than Matisse Thybulle, Kris Murray and Jabari Walker, who started 71 games combined in 2023-24. He’s a better defender than Shaedon Sharpe, who Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups demoted to the second unit for that very reason.

Still, Henderson’s rookie struggles were definitely a factor in last season’s 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 it’s 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 aren’t 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 he’s changing the narrative now and pretty early, too. Should he turn the page completely, the Blazers will be ready to enter their next chapter.