Portland Trail Blazers 2023 NBA Draft Big Board 2.0

3. Scoot Henderson, G-League Ignite

With Lillard’s and/or Simons’ future with the Blazers in question, Scoot jumps from the honorable mention section to No. 3 on Portland’s Big Board.

The 6-2 guard is the most explosive player in this class. If Sharpe is still in Portland next season, the Blazers would be building around perhaps the most athletic backcourt in the NBA.

Henderson wants to humiliate anyone on the floor if they’re standing between him and the basket, and he usually does. Moda Center would be rocking whenever Scoot has the ball in his hands. O’Connor refers to him as a cross between Russell Westbrook and Allen Iverson.

Other than being a shaky spot-up shooter, there isn’t much the 19-year-old can’t do offensively. He can beat defenders off the dribble in isolation and pick-and-roll situations, can stop on a dime and rise up for jumpers, and can contort himself to finish in just about any way possible at the rim.

He’s a 6-2 guard – both the Blazers and their fans know what that situation can turn into defensively. But Scoot’s activity, athleticism, and hungry playing style make him more than a passable defender against other guards.

If Dame leaves this summer, this might be his replacement, both on the court and off.