Trail Blazers Guard Showing Necessary Offseason Growth

Portland Trail Blazers point guard Scoot Henderson is just over three months away from kicking off his third NBA season. However, the talented former G League star’s career hasn’t played out the way most anticipated. After a rather pedestrian first two NBA seasons, which have included injuries and growth pains, Henderson is hard at work this offseason preparing for the 2025-26 campaign, and his head coach, Chauncey Billups, is reportedly very encouraged by what he’s seeing so far. Billups needs Henderson to take a giant leap this upcoming season, and judging from his recent remarks, Henderson’s offseason progress is more positive than anything else.

Trail Blazers Guard Showing Necessary Offseason Growth

Portland Trail Blazers’ Scoot Henderson showing impressive signs during offseason, per HC Chauncey Billups

Henderson surprised many when he decided to skip playing college ball, despite a Division 1 scholarship from Ole Miss and offers from Georgia Tech, Florida, and Florida State, to enter the G League to play for the Ignite. Henderson was one of the most anticipated players in the 2023 draft. However, following his selection by the Trail Blazers, his NBA career has started with a sputter.

In two seasons, Henderson hasn’t met expectations quite yet, averaging just 13.3 points per game. He’s also dealt with injuries in both his rookie and sophomore seasons, playing in 62 and 66 games each season. Last season, Henderson took a step down from his rookie year, seeing his PPG drop, as well as his rebounds, assists, and minutes. Mixed in with the drop in production, Henderson suffered from an ankle sprain and a concussion late in the year.

Chauncey Billups expresses positive outlook on next season

Presently, Henderson is back to full strength, and according to Billups, who recently spoke with ESPN during the ongoing Summer League in Las Vegas, he’s been hard at work this summer. While discussing the Blazers’ recent draft pick, Yan Hansen, and the rest of the roster, the four-year bench boss expects Henderson to have a solid bounce-back season. 

“He had a tough year last year, only because he didn’t get to play basketball during the summer. He was banged up, he was licking his wounds from the season,” Billups said. “This year he’s been playing ball all summer, he’s been working on his game, as you said. Scoot is gonna take an incredible leap this year.”