The Oregonian/OregonLive is taking a player-by-player look at the Portland Trail Blazers roster heading into the offseason.
Prior posts: Jerami Grant; Toumani Camara; Deandre Ayton; Donovan Clingan; Robert Williams III; Matisse Thybulle; Dalano Banton, Kris Murray; Jabari Walker; Duop Reath; Rayan Rupert; Justin Minaya; Bryce McGowens; Sidy Cissoko.
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Height, position, age: 6-foot-3, point guard, 21.
Contract status: Henderson will make $10.7 million in the third season of his rookie contract. The Blazers hold a club option for the 2026-27 season worth $13.6 million, which will likely be picked up.
2023-24 contributions (reference page): An interesting season for Henderson went as such:
- Through Jan. 11, Henderson shot 39.9% from the field and 29.9% from three-point range, while averaging 10.9 points and 5.0 assists with 2.7 turnovers.
- Starting with a career-high 39 points on Jan. 14 against the Brooklyn Nets, Hendrson shot 47.7% from the field and 44.5% from long distance over 20 games, averaging 15.1 points and 5.5 assists with 2.5 turnovers.
- Mysteriously, Henderson’s shooting fell off over his final 15 appearances before a concussion ended his season. He shot 38.2% from the field and 30% from three, averaging 13.1 points and 4.7 assists with 2.9 turnovers.
When the season ended, Henderson stood at 12.7 points per game on 41.9% shooting from the field and 35.4% from three-point range, while averaging 5.1 assists with 2.7 turnovers.
The bad news was that his overall shooting went up just a tad from 38.5% during his rookie season, and his assists dropped slightly from 5.4.
But his three-point shooting saw a jump from 32.5%, while his turnovers per game dipped from 3.4. Additionally, Henderson’s true shooting percentage increased to 54% from 48.9%.
Henderson also improved near the basket. Last season, he shot 46.4% from inside five feet. This year, 53%.
Defensively, Henderson’s defensive rating decreased to 113.7 from 119.6 last season.
Fit moving forward: The Blazers selected Henderson with the No. 3 overall pick during the 2023 NBA draft not merely to become the team’s point guard of the future, but to become a superstar.
After two seasons, achieving either goal remains in doubt.
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – NOVEMBER 01: Head coach Chauncey Billups of the Portland Trail Blazers talks to Scoot Henderson #00 while playing the Detroit Pistons during the first half at Little Caesars Arena on November 01, 2023 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)Getty Images
Henderson demonstrated enough improvement to still warrant being considered a potential future starter. But after going 36-46 last season, the Blazers have shifted from development mode to wanting to reach the postseason next season.
That means less leeway for mistakes, which also means that Henderson must play winning basketball to become and remain the starter.
However, Anfernee Simons, the superior player, who will enter the final year of his contract next season, remains in the way.
Like with Jerami Grant and Deandre Ayton, the Blazers must make a decision regarding Simons’ future.
Do they extend his contract, cementing him as the firm starter, or trade him and turn the team over to Henderson? Time will tell.
Trade value: It can’t be great. Henderson, so far, has not lived up to his draft status. It’s difficult to envision a team offering valuable assets to acquire Henderson to become their starting point guard. However, in a larger deal, a rival team could be willing to take a chance on his potential.
Likelihood to return: The Blazers have a lot invested in Henderson and want to see him succeed. He demonstrated enough improvement to warrant moving forward with him as the potential starting point guard.
2024-25 outlook: The Blazers have decisions to make regarding the future, but they should feel pretty good about the point guard situation for next season.
Portland Trail Blazers guard Scoot Henderson high-fives teammate Anfernee Simons during an NBA game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Moda Center in Portland on Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025.Sean Meagher/The Oregonian
Simons experienced some adjustments to the team’s run-and-gun offensive philosophies that impacted his scoring efficiency. But he said he felt better later in the season and should be able to continue making progress next season.
The same goes for Henderson, who could make a dramatic leap in his third season.
Henderson has three attributes over Simons: floor leader, playmaker and defender.
Henderson is more of an “in-your-face” leader, whose confidence is growing. But he must play well enough to enhance his credibility.
Henderson uses his strength to get into the paint, where he can make plays for himself and others. His greatest weakness is his shooting, where Simons has excelled during his career.
Together, they make a solid combination. But both want to be the starter, which means one will have to be moved at some point.
That all could depend on Henderson’s growth next season. If he becomes worthy of being the full-time starter, it would be time to move Simons. Maybe by the trade deadline.
If not, then the Blazers might have to re-sign Simons to a lucrative extension and then make a decision regarding Henderson’s future.
Next up: Anfernee Simons.
— Aaron Fentress | afentress@Oregonian.com | @AaronJFentress (Twitter), @AaronJFentress (Instagram), @AaronFentress (Facebook)