The most significant roster decision Trail Blazers general manager Joe Cronin faces before the start of the regular season is whether to extend point guard Scoot Henderson. Technically, it's a day before, with the deadline for rookie extensions on Monday. A decision that's fast approaching, but also a sign that we finally have the season starting in just one week!
ESPN's Bobby Marks recently highlighted as Henderson one the biggest extensions to watch, along with Brandon Miller, Dereck Lively II, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Cason Wallace, and Anthony Black.
For Henderson, Marks suggested a three-year, $51.8 million extension, noting the first-year salary of $16 million is close to the non-tax mid-level exception.
Compare that to the extensions Marks suggested for other players in this draft class, like Miller (five-year, $175 million) and Wallace (five-year, $145 million), and it's clear the Blazers didn't quite nail the Henderson pick given his projected value.
That said, Portland could actually turn that into its advantage, getting ahead of a potential breakout this season.
Blazers should extend Scoot Henderson before his breakout
The one reason Marks gives as to why an extension could get done is Henderson's production in the first round of the playoff series against the San Antonio Spurs, specifically the first three games. His 70 total points during that stretch joined elite Blazer company: Brandon Roy (82 points) and Damian Lillard (79 points).
Fortunately, that improved play has continued into the offseason for Henderson. Veteran Jrue Holiday even named Henderson as the Blazers' training camp MVP.
That's also carried over into the Blazers' first two preseason games. He recently recorded 14 points in just 16 minutes against the London Lions, most importantly shooting 4-of-5 from beyond the arc.
The cons regarding a potential Henderson extension are his inconsistent play and murky fit in a suddenly crowded backcourt. The inconsistency is something they should be willing to live with or overlook, considering Portland extended Shaedon Sharpe to a four-year, $90 million deal last season.
Meanwhile, the backcourt logjam isn't as problematic as some may think, in large part thanks to Henderson's improved shooting and defense. He may have to take on more of an off-ball role this season with so many playmakers now on the roster. That would've been problematic when Scoot initially entered the league, but he's quietly figured out how to impact winning more than people seem to give him credit for. That's also a testament to his work ethic, which is praised among the best on the entire team.
Between last season's playoff performance, a standout training camp/start to preseason, and a strong work ethic, Henderson continues to show the Blazers why he's both a player and a person worth investing in long term.
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