Ambitious to the point of considering himself number 1 in the Draft ahead of Victor Wembanyama, then future rookie of the year at the start of the school year, Scoot Henderson fell violently back to earth during his first official match. Author of 11 points, 4 assists and 4 lost balls, including 0/5 on shots and 3 lost balls in a very complicated first half, he was put to death against Clippers veterans Russell Westbrook and Paul George .
“There will be evenings where he fully turns 19”emphasizes Chauncey Billups in The Athletic. “It was one of those evenings!” »
Nervous at the start of the match, Scoot Henderson had to wait until the locker room returned to score his first career basket among the big boys, on a right hand floater. He was then able to round up his total, but at an end to the match without suspense, when the Blazers were already dropped on the scoreboard.
“I’m not going to push him further, I’m going to talk with him to reassure him,” adds his coach. “But he’s a guy who can be coached the hard way, I know that having done it [cet été]. We can be tough and honest with him. We’ll see how things evolve during the year, when I can be harder. I know it’s going to be like this this year, there will be times where I have to take a step back and let it happen. Because that’s how we learn. Experience is the best teacher. I still remember matches from my rookie year, because they are things that stand out…”
“He must not let himself be influenced by the defense”
Well supervised with a former All-Star point guard and Finals MVP as head coach, but also Scott Brooks, former NBA journeyman leader on the Blazers staff, Scoot Henderson can also count on several teammates to guide him, starting with Malcolm Brogdon, perfect in his role as mentor.
“I’m going to go beyond the planned themes so that he doesn’t feel criticized for each action. I don’t want him to play like a robot either.”adds Malcolm Brogdon, who explains that the “theme” against the Clippers was the release of screens. “I want him to stay aggressive, so we’re going to look at actions that focus on screens on the ball carriers. He was a bit rushed. He has to be aggressive but he also has to take his time. He has to find the right balance. You must not confuse speed with haste, and do not let yourself be influenced by defense. »
Already struggling with his shooting in preseason (only 20/48 cumulatively), the former nugget of Team Ignite confirms that he is still looking for his balance in attack, with a new outing with three lost balls.
A mental problem that he assures he can resolve quickly.
“I can’t wait to see how I lost these balloons. Sometimes it was too difficult passes, sometimes it was communication errors,” concludes Scoot Henderson. “It’s mental for me. I know I have a lot to learn but my age is not important. I also know what I am capable of doing. »
