The Portland Trail Blazers were at risk of entering 2025 following a winless December with a six-game losing streak to start the month. But they've played much better basketball as of late, winning three of their last five games, including two straight over the Utah Jazz and Dallas Mavericks. The last two games have been particularly encouraging as the Blazers' young core has stepped up.
Shaedon Sharpe and Deni Avdija are starting to emerge as arguably Portland's two best players. However, the most pleasant surprise has been Scoot Henderson, who had 19 points, six assists, four rebounds, and five steals in their win over Dallas. He also had 18 points, ten assists, two steals, and a game-winner in their previous victory over Utah. Henderson is playing much more under control, totaling just two turnovers in those two games. Dare I say he's also looking impactful defensively?
Nate Bjorkgren's impact on Scoot Henderson provides blueprint for Blazers
With Chauncey Billups expected to be back coaching against Philadelphia, Henderson's play and the Blazers' young core, in general, will be something to monitor. Billups has missed the past two games due to the unfortunate passing of his grandmother.
Assistant coach Nate Bjorkgren took over in his absence, which sparked the Blazers. It was no coincidence, as Bjorkgren inspired confidence in their young core, giving them more minutes and putting them in positions to succeed.
Henderson and Avdija hovered around 30 minutes in the past two games, roughly a five-minute increase from both players' season averages so far. But more importantly, Henderson was playing an optimal offensive role, which Billups hasn't done a great job putting him in so far.
Henderson is better equipped as a primary offensive initiator who can get downhill, not a spot-up shooter. Instead of playing to his weakness (three-point shooting) by having him play off the ball alongside Simons, oftentimes standing in the corner, Henderson was given more of a lead role in the offense, and he delivered.
The Blazers have been frustrating this season because it seems as though there is a disconnect between their words and actions. They want to prioritize the young players this early on in the rebuild and gain more clarity surrounding their roster. Yet, veterans like Jerami Grant, Deandre Ayton, and Anfernee Simons still eat into minutes and roles for their foundational pieces, with Deni Avdija, Donovan Clingan, and Scoot Henderson all coming off the bench.
As they approach the Feb. 6 trade deadline, Billups and GM Joe Cronin must emphasize their youth more. Cronin needs to trade away multiple veterans. But even if they don't get traded, Bjorkgren has shown the blueprint for how the Blazers can remain competitive while still prioritizing the development of their youth.
With Billups and the Blazers potentially having a 'mutual parting' at the end of the season, Bjorkgren needs to be considered as a candidate for the head coaching job next season. It's a small sample size of just two games, but Bjorkgren has the resume and experience to back it up. He was the Toronto Raptors' assistant coach (2018-2020, 2021-23) and the Indiana Pacers' head coach (2020-2021), among other stints during his 17 years of coaching experience.
But most importantly, he's found a way to unlock Henderson and the rest of Portland's young core.