He introduced himself at a press conference with a big smile. Big chain around his neck, black jacket with flashy inlays and a Blazers cap on his head. Long considered the n°2 of this Draft, Scooter Henderson eventually completed the podium behind Victor Wembanyama and Brandon Miller.
“ I’m just happy we’re finally getting there. I am blessed. Going to Portland is kind of coming full circle “, Formulates the playmaker, mentioning the presence of his mentor Pooh Jeter, recently integrated into the organization chart of the Oregon franchise.
Surprised not to be selected in second place? ” No not at all. I’m glad to see Brandon go there. I’m pretty sure that’s a good thing for him. This is how I move forward, with passion. I’m not angry that I wasn’t selected first or second. I am blessed to be selected third and to be here with my family. “, formulates the leader who says he has not paid attention to the speculation around an exchange of “picks”.
The “best prepared” player
” If they decide to trade or do anything with this pick, I’m just gonna keep working, controlling what I can. “, Formula, about this past eventuality, the former Ignite player.
A G-League formation that made him, in his words, ” the most prepared player in the Draft. Being there for two years taught me so many things. On the field, but also outside, I learned to become a pro. »
Scoot Henderson recalls that every night, like Victor Wembanyama and unlike the majority of their Draft partners, he faced professional players, some of whom went back and forth between the development league and the upper tier of the NBA. ” That’s why I always say we’re prepared. We learned a lot of things at the start of the season that have nothing to do with the technical side, the things that happen behind the closed doors of basketball, the business. »
He will again be faced with this turmoil behind the scenes in Portland as the Blazers are expected to have a turbulent offseason, in connection with developments around the situation of Damian Lillard. In the meantime, the drafted player, who believes he has progressed as a leader, vocal level in particular, during the year, ” hope to be able to play with Dame, that’s for sure. He’s a special talent, a special leader. He’s one of my favorites, it would be great to play with him. »
