This was largely viewed as a make-or-break season for Scoot Henderson. Unfortunately, Portland hasn't had a chance to properly evaluate its former No. 3 overall selection due to an untimely hamstring injury suffered during an offseason workout.
Scoot's finally back, and with the Trail Blazers playing without Deni Avdija and Shaedon Sharpe, all eyes are suddenly on him. He hasn't lived up to expectations, struggling with his three-point shot and failing to take over the keys to the backcourt.
Despite the injuries to Avdija and Sharpe, Portland still hasn't prioritized Henderson in the offensive hierarchy. Head coach Tiago Splitter has even elected to start fellow 2023 draft classmate Kris Murray over Henderson!
Blazers fans were eager to see Scoot in an increased role, but it's hard to make the case for a starting gig. Simply put, he's not producing like a starting-caliber player in the NBA.
Bill Simmons gives Blazers fans reason for optimism
Despite his concerning start to the 2025-26 season, there's still some reason for optimism. Bill Simmons recently took a glass-half-full stance with Henderson on The Bill Simmons Podcast, saying that nobody should sell their Scoot stock just yet, as there have been signs of him improving as a young guard.
Zach Lowe pushed back a bit, adding: "It would be nice if more of the signs went into the basket."
The Blazers have yet to gain clarity on Henderson. He's improved in key aspects such as his on-ball defense and finishing around the rim. Yet there's legitimate cause for concern, with his two-way impact so closely tied to an unreliable three-point shot.
Blazers fans are trying to give Scoot the benefit of the doubt when it comes to being patient with the development of a 22-year-old still adjusting to playing the hardest position in the league. But with each passing game, most are taking Lowe's stance over Simmons. At some point, the untapped potential remains untapped, and Portland is left with the reality of Henderson as a player rather than an intriguing yet unrealistic theoretical.
Is Scoot Henderson the long-term answer at point guard?
Henderson is now shooting 24.1% from beyond the arc this season. He's in the midst of a rough three-point shooting slump, connecting on 3-of-28 over the last five contests. That's unfortunate timing for both Scoot and Portland. He needed to capitalize on this window without the Blazers' key players, while Portland needed him to generate more offense with their two top scorers.
The reality is, these signs Simmons refers to are few and far between. Henderson must find a way to become a more complete and consistent player. And despite the age, he's running out of time to prove he should be considered a building block in the Blazers' rebuild.
In terms of a future starting five, Portland has clarity at every other position except point guard. If Henderson can't turn things around to close out the season, the Blazers should seriously consider targeting a Scoot upgrade this offseason.
Maybe Simmons is right, and Portland shouldn't sell its Scoot stock. But that doesn't mean the Blazers need to double down on buying their Scoot stock either. Simply holding it, while diversifying their portfolio this summer, appears to be their best bet.
It's an unfortunate situation as Portland was supposed to have its point guard position secured for the next decade after investing a coveted No. 3 overall pick into Henderson. But that's just the reality of this Blazers rebuild.