Portland Trail Blazers guard Scoot Henderson has started his career with two mercurial seasons. The third-overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft was expected to become a star. That hasn’t materialized yet, just a lot of work and measured improvement.
While being interviewed on ESPN during the Trail Blazers’ Summer League game against the Golden State Warriors, Billups gave an update on Henderson’s progress this offseason. His review was positive. Billups said that Henderson has been playing frequently and that he expects the young point guard to “take a leap” in the coming year. He said it in the vein of a guarantee, with confidence, an implication of, “Just watch.”
Billups also said that recently-acquired veteran guard was the best player imaginable to mentor Henderson and fellow guard Shaedon Sharpe, though he assured those listening that Holiday still had “game” and was ready to play, not just tutor.
Henderson averaged 12.7 points and 5.1 assists in 26.7 minutes per game over 66 appearances for the Blazers last season. He shot 41.9% from the floor and 35.4% from the three-point arc, both marked improvements over his rookie season.