The Portland Trail Blazers continue to believe in Scoot Henderson. They invested a coveted No. 3 overall pick in Henderson in 2023. Every move general manager Joe Cronin has made this offseason has doubled down on that investment.
With Anfernee Simons now in Boston, the Blazers essentially only have one lead guard in Henderson. The decision to trade for Jrue Holiday was puzzling, given his age, declining play, and massive contract. But the silver lining is that Holiday is more of an off-ball guard at this stage in his career. Portland didn't even address the point guard position with their final roster spot, electing to sign another off-ball guard in Blake Wesley.
The long-term starting point guard spot is Scoot's for the taking.
Blazers remain committed to Scoot Henderson
Point guard is the most challenging position to adjust to at the next level (just ask Darius Garland). Henderson's rookie season was underwhelming relative to expectations of being a top pick, resulting in many prematurely writing him off as a bust. However, that didn't deter the Blazers from continuing to build their backcourt around him.
Although there will continue to be growing pains along the way, Cronin and the Blazers were wise to clear the path for the player they invested the most draft capital into -- even if it means sacrificing short-term success for a higher ceiling in the long term.
In the 2024 offseason, Cronin was asked what's next for the Blazers' roster construction following the additions of Donovan Clingan and Deni Avdija. He emphasized Portland's commitment to top ten picks Shaedon Sharpe and Henderson, and their desire to build around them.
"We've got to continue to build this talent base. We're committed to Scoot [Henderson] and Shaedon [Sharpe] being a massive part of what we're doing. How do we find ways to give them the support they need, make them better, and maximize their development? Continually seeking players to add to this roster that we can grow with and build with."
Cronin's response hinted that Simons wasn't part of Portland's backcourt plans -- an omission that now feels deliberate, given that Simons is no longer in the equation.
This was even after Henderson was coming off a season where he averaged 3.4 turnovers while shooting 38.5% from the field and 32.5% from deep.
It may not look like it because of rotating backcourt logjams the past few seasons, but Portland has remained consistent in its commitment to Henderson. Even though they added Holiday and Damian Lillard this summer, they continue to invest in their former No. 3 pick. Both aging stars will be valuable mentors to help Hendereson build off a promising second season.
Scoot is a strong breakout candidate, and it's in part because the Blazers are wisely prioritizing him, putting him in an optimal position to succeed.