Stock down: Scoot Henderson
The slow start to Scoot Henderson’s rookie season hasn’t entirely been his fault as he’s dealt with an ankle injury, but he didn’t live up to expectations when he was on the floor to start the year, either.
Henderson hasn’t played since Nov. 1 when he exited a game against the Detroit Pistons in the third quarter. After a wait-and-see approach, the Blazers announced he would miss an additional two-to-three weeks, which would put his return somewhere near the end of November or early December.
That’s not ideal for a 19-year-old rookie’s development, but Scoot wasn’t lighting the world on fire in his first four-plus games.
He shot 18-of-52 from the floor (34.6 percent), 2-of-21 from three (0.95 percent – yikes), only attempted 7 total free throws, had 23 assists compared to 20 turnovers and committed 20 fouls, including fouling out of a game against the Toronto Raptors.
It’s obviously far too early to hit the panic button, especially for a young point guard getting his first taste of the NBA. It’s the most difficult position to learn, especially on the fly, regardless of how physically talented you are, and especially when you’re thrust into the kind of spotlight Scoot has been.
Still, it’s at least time to temper expectations for Henderson’s rookie campaign.