5 Contingency plans for the Blazers if Scoot Henderson struggles in 2024-25
By Reese Kunz
Scoot Henderson had an up-and-down rookie year in what was a disappointing season overall, especially relative to the high expectations of being a No. 3 overall pick. On the surface, he finished with respectable averages of 14.0 points, 5.4 assists, and 3.1 rebounds. Looking at just those numbers, it's surprising that Henderson didn't make an NBA All-Rookie Team.
But it makes more sense when considering he was wildly inefficient, averaging 3.4 turnovers per game and shooting under 40 percent from the field, which was further highlighted by his inability to finish around the rim. Following the All-Star break, Scoot led the entire NBA in turnovers at 4.5 per game. He also had the worst plus-minus in a game in NBA history (-58 against the Miami Heat) and the worst plus-minus of the season (-12.1) of any player to play more than five games.
Henderson did show flashes of the All-Star potential that made him such a coveted draft prospect. But at the same time, the Blazers can't go all-in on Scoot in their rebuild, given the concerns and inconsistencies he showed in his rookie season. In that sense, it's a make-or-break year for him despite being just 20 years old.
No one is expecting Scoot to be flawless. But if he can't improve key areas of his game to the point where Portland feels comfortable making him their long-term starting point guard, it could already be time for them to at least consider exploring alternative options.
1. Keep Simons as long-term point guard
It remains to be seen if the Blazers plan to open the 2024-25 season with Shaedon Sharpe or Henderson as the guard to start alongside Anfernee Simons. ESPN's Bobby Marks has the Blazers' projected starting lineup (subscription required) with Scoot and Simons in it, while other NBA analysts like Zach Lowe have voiced their opinion on why Sharpe should be the final starter.
Regardless of who starts, Portland's backcourt trio should all see substantial minutes now that Malcolm Brogdon is out of the picture. But if Scoot fails to show progress from his rocky rookie season, the Blazers should consider making Simons and Sharpe the backcourt of the future.
Simons has been heavily involved in trade rumors throughout the offseason. He could potentially still be moved this season, especially if Henderson shows enough promise to inspire confidence in the Blazers' front office to make such a significant trade. But Simons, 25, is young enough to be a focal point of the Blazers' rebuilding plans should Scoot fail to deliver.
Simons is the only internal option that the Blazers should consider as a viable backup plan for their long-term point guard. They'll also have to get creative and look elsewhere.