Zach Lowe and Howard Beck recently picked their most intriguing players heading into the 2025-26 NBA season on The Zach Lowe Show, one of whom was Portland Trail Blazers point guard Scoot Henderson.
"It's a must-pick. If there's a player that has to be in this exercise, it's Scoot Henderson," Lowe said.
"It's been bumpy in Portland. It's been really bumpy. But the whole franchise has been bumpy," Beck added. "There hasn't been a clear direction there. Now Jrue Holiday is there, and Dame is back but injured. If nothing else, for the next couple of years -- and assuming nothing changes -- Scoot is going to have the greatest mentorship in the world. Chauncey Billups: Hall of Fame point guard. Dame Lillard: Hall of Fame point guard. Jrue Holiday: I don't know how to judge whether he'll be in the Hall of Fame, but he's a champion -- just a great guard. Smart, thoughtful people who really understand the game and his position at the most granular level. He could not possibly have a better NBA education at this stage."
The pieces are in place for Scoot Henderson, but can he take the next step?
Beck then went on to sum up how just about every Portland Trail Blazers fan feels as Henderson heads into a pivotal yet uncertain third season.
"I think the outline of a really good or great player is there... I'm very curious to see how this goes."
With their latest move of signing Blake Wesley, the Blazers now have all 15 roster spots accounted for. Signing Wesley is a significant investment in Henderson; that move made it clear that the backcourt playmaking will run through him, as he's the only true lead guard (with Lillard seemingly out of the equation for the entirety of next season).
Between his valuable mentors and significantly increased role, Scoot will be given every opportunity to breakout next season. But at the same time, the Blazers front office and coaching staff can only do so much to put him in a position to succeed. This will ultimately come down to Henderson as a player. That's where the situation gets much more complicated, as he's had an underwhelming first two seasons relative to expectations for a coveted No. 3 overall pick.
Henderson is trending in the right direction after a somewhat encouraging second season where he improved his efficiency and decision-making. But he needs to take that one step further for the Blazers to feel confident about moving forward with him as their long-term starting point guard. If not, Portland will have to reevaluate its backcourt entirely, especially with Lillard's anticipated return.
This season is a turning point, not just for Henderson, but for the Blazers' franchise as a whole. He's the one they've invested the most in, both in terms of draft capital and moves this offseason.