No. 4: Scoot Henderson, G League Ignite
There’s no question in many minds that Scoot Henderson is the second-most talented player in the 2023 draft class. If Victor Wembanyama wasn’t available this year, it’s likely that teams would’ve been tanking for Scoot instead of for Wembanyama.
Henderson is the prototypical point guard prospect from any angle that you could consider. He plays at his own pace and can control the game and its tempo, he is one of the best athletes in the draft class, and Henderson is one of the best passers that has come into the NBA in the past few years:
When considering the hypothetical Scoot Henderson-LaMelo Ball: for his career LaMelo is 41 3P% on catch-and-shoot 3PA (25% of his FGA on c&s 3PA)
— Brian Geisinger (@bgeis_bird) May 17, 2023
Scoot, with his ability to run pick-and-roll, turn the corner, beat switches and get a piece of the paint, unlocks those looks pic.twitter.com/UKsIgDC2ez
The issue with Scoot to the Blazers rests in the positional value and fit concerns. With Lillard, Simons, and Sharpe all on the roster, Henderson would see a crowded field of players ahead of him in the minutes and scoring pecking order, which would be a hindrance to his development.
If Portland decides to move on from Simons, head coach Chauncey Billups could play Henderson next to Lillard. In the unlikely scenario that Lillard is traded, Henderson would also be a wonderful fit on the Blazers.
But as long as the team is trying to make the playoffs, it would do well to tread the line between best player available and a premier fit.