Henderson Finds Mentors for Blazer Growth

Portland’s Young Guard Set to Benefit from Veteran Presence

As Scoot Henderson prepares for his third NBA season, he’s poised to leverage the experience of key teammates, potentially accelerating his development on both ends of the court.

Defensive Acumen with Holiday

The acquisition of Jrue Holiday, widely regarded as one of the premier perimeter defenders in the league over the last decade, offers Henderson an invaluable resource. Holiday‘s mastery of defensive angles, offensive reading, and pattern identification is exceptional.

By studying Holiday‘s approach, especially concerning pick-and-roll coverages, Henderson is expected to significantly enhance his defensive understanding. Holiday‘s tutelage could prove crucial for Henderson’s growth.

Offensive Insights from Lillard

On offense, Henderson can turn to Damian Lillard, an icon in Blazers franchise history returning after two seasons with the Milwaukee Bucks. Although sidelined this season due to an Achilles tear, Lillard remains a celebrated offensive force, renowned for his floor spacing and ability to draw fouls.

Sharing a similar physical profile with Lillard, Henderson, though still developing his shooting touch, has a prime opportunity to refine his offensive execution by learning from the former All-Star.

Avdija: A Reliable Safety Net

The emergence of Deni Avdija as a reliable secondary playmaker provides a crucial “security blanket” for Henderson. Avdija concluded last season impressively, averaging nearly 20 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists over the final 20 games.

The 6’9″ forward demonstrated an improved ability to create his own shot, both driving to the basket and from beyond the arc. His playmaking also saw a marked improvement, allowing him to handle significant on-ball responsibilities.

This capability is a substantial asset for Henderson, offering an outlet during games where he might appear raw or untested. In such instances, he can focus on his defensive intensity and playmaking duties, supported by the veteran guidance of Holiday and Lillard.

The Portland Trail Blazers present an intriguing narrative for the upcoming season. With a core of promising players, their trajectory hinges on the rate of their collective development. In their last 20 matchups, the Blazers averaged 115.6 points per game, ranking them 15th in the league during that span (Basketball-Reference).

The team’s success will likely be closely tied to how effectively these young talents, mentored by seasoned veterans, begin to unlock their potential.