A time competitor of Victor Wembanyama for the first choice of the 2023 Draft, Scoot Henderson fell to 3 to the Portland Trail Blazers on the evening of the ceremony. Arrived in Oregon with a big hypethe young leader faces a complicated debut in the NBA.
A G-League Ignite Team phenomenon for two years, Scoot Henderson arrived in the NBA Draft with qualities recognized by all analysts. Outstanding athletic qualities coupled with an ability to organize the game and immense talent in penetration.
But, since his arrival in the Great League, number 00 has struggled to show himself and is learning the hard way. Over his first four games in the NBA, Henderson averaged 8.3 points per game on 33% shooting and 5% from distance (1/18). He distributed an average of 4 assists, grabbed 2.8 rebounds, but also lost 4.3 balls and committed 4.5 fouls. In short, very complicated evenings at work.
Few people had imagined such a tough start, starting with himself, as Scoot explained in the locker room after Portland’s victory against Toronto.
“It’s been a very mentally busy week, especially with the buzz around me even if I don’t pay attention to all that, and to everything that has been said about my performances. […] I didn’t expect this either, I’ve never been through such a period, but I’m ready now. […] And honestly, I’m glad it’s happening now.”
Nothing to worry about, let’s say it right away, the position of playmaker being probably the most complicated to occupy when you are a rookie in the NBA. Henderson also had to face strong defenses like that of the Clippers, Magic, Sixers and Raptors. We have known a simpler process of adaptation. His talent has not gone away and is certainly not in doubt, the rookie shows some flashes of a very high level, notably thanks to a devastating first step. All it will take is a quality performance to bring the few doubters back on the train.
For Scoot Henderson, he simply has to adjust to a new environment and a new team which is itself finding its feet after the many changes this summer. After eleven years of having Damian Lillard, the Blazers must find a hierarchy and an organization in the backcourt, where there are also Malcolm Brogdon, Shaedon Sharpe and Anfernee Simons (currently injured). So, patience, patience…
Each additional meeting is a big dose of experience for the young leader and a great opportunity to progress. The next one is scheduled for the night of Wednesday to Thursday against the Detroit Pistons.
Source texte : Basketball Reference
2023-10-31 16:12:00
#Complicated #debut #Scoot #Henderson #NBA
