Scoot Henderson was projected to be the next big thing for the Portland Traiblazers, especially when Damian Lillard left for the Milwaukee Bucks in 2023. However, that idea is yet to be realized as the young point guard is yet to have a breakout season.
The former G-League standout was drafted third overall by the Blazers in 2023. His notable batchmates are top pick Victor Wembanyama who as expected is already an All-Star and Amen Thompson who turned heads last season for the Houston Rockets and is predicted to become a star sooner than later.
Henderson does not have that hype for now. He played 62 games in his first season and posted 14 apg and 5.4 apg. Those numbers dropped in his sophomore year when he averaged 12.7 ppg and 5.1 apg in 66 games.
He won’t be able to start this new season after the team revealed that the third year guard suffered a hamstring injury and will be out for 4-8 weeks.
Scoot Henderson has suffered a left hamstring tear and is expected to return to basketball activities in 4-8 weeks pic.twitter.com/da8RRsAW1V
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) September 26, 2025
Damian Lillard says this injury could be an advantage
There is a reasonable excitement for Henderson among Blazers fans this season because of the return of Lillard and the arrival of two-time champion Jrue Holiday. He got two mentors to guide him.
However, the injury may hinder his development.
Lillard said Henderson could use this setback as an advantage. He himself won’t be able to play and that means more time for them together talking about the game.
“Neither one of us going to be on the court for a little bit so it will definitely create that window of opportunity for us to have a lot more dialogue,” he said.
The nine-time All-Star also sympathized with the kid as he tries to navigate professional hoop career amid high expectations.
“As a young PG, I know the desire. I’ve been there to want more for yourself… I know that I can help take some of that weight off his shoulders by just sharing information that I know is a fact.”
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