The Portland Trail Blazers are 7-3 on the season after a statement win Tuesday over the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Blazers won 123-103 at home, proving this team is capable of beating anyone in the association this season.
The collective bounceback from this unit doesn't mean all individual rainbows and gold, however. Head coach Micah Nori decided to bench Scoot Henderson in favor of Sidy Cissoko, a decision that's hard to argue with given the result.
On one hand, it's a testament to how much Cissoko has grown since coming over to Portland, as he's been this team's unsung hero this season.
On the other hand, Henderson's failure to keep his spot in the starting lineup while Ja Morant remains sidelined is a concerning sign for his Blazers future. Henderson didn't help his case on Tuesday either, finishing with 11 points in 23 minutes on an inefficient 3-of-12 shooting.
Scoot Henderson's benching is another sign he doesn't fit in Portland
Statistically speaking, he's having the worst season of his career, averaging 8.7 points, 2.1 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 2.4 turnovers in 22.3 minutes per game. Part of that is due to his diminished role in this crowded backcourt, but Henderson needs to step up his efficiency. His percentages are also career lows at 31.7 percent from the field and 22.0 percent from beyond the arc.
The floor spacing is the biggest concern regarding his fit with this roster. Nori has Henderson playing more off-ball, and understandably so, as he's not a good enough playmaker to initiate the offense of a playoff-caliber team yet. But with those playmaking duties now belonging to Deni Avdija, Damian Lillard, and Jrue Holiday, Henderson's only place is off-ball in a 3-and-D role.
That still has value because Henderson's improved defense and the fact that he gives Portland another ball-handler and decision-maker out there are strengths of this roster that Nori has done a good job of playing to through ten games. Still, during that stretch, Henderson has also shown his limitations in that increased role.
Scoot Henderson would benefit from a change of scenery
If he can't effectively space the floor as a shooting guard and he can't consistently create enough plays at point guard, then what's Henderson's place here?
He would benefit from a change of scenery with a rebuilding team that can afford the inevitable growing pains of having Henderson at point guard. The Charlotte Hornets are one potential landing spot that makes sense given their need for a LaMelo Ball replacement, which has only become more apparent after their 4-7 start.
Portland is sitting at 7-3 and has accelerated its rebuild after Avdija led them to the postseason. They also didn't reach a rookie scale extension with Henderson before the season, making him a restricted free agent. With him failing to assert himself as a true part of this young core, it's becoming clear that the best route to take is to trade him by February's deadline.
Henderson is on an expiring deal and is now falling out of the starting lineup. The roster needs a better balance, and he should be the trade chip.
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