“I’m going to win the rookie of the year trophy.” This promise from Scoot Henderson dates from last August.
A third of the way through the season, however, things seem to be going badly. For most observers, the trophy will be played out between Victor Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren, the latter now having the advantage among the bookmakers with odds of 1.6 against 2.4 for the Frenchman. As for Scoot Henderson, his rating in Las Vegas is… 251!
” It is still relevant “
Suffice it to say that, at the moment, no one really sees the Portland leader getting his hands on the trophy.
“Trying to be Rookie of the Year, that’s always my goal” yet assures Scoot Henderson at CBS Sports. “It’s still relevant, I think. »
For his first duel with Victor Wembanyama, the former Team Ignite was back in the major five last night. But if he finished with 25 points, it took him 23 shots to get there (8/23). His 6 ball losses (for 4 assists) and the multiple blocks of “Wemby” on his layups illustrating his difficulties.
“He’s so explosive and fast, a player who attacks the rim” However, describes Chauncey Billups, his trainer, who must above all teach him not to rush into the crowd. “Sometimes you can lose a little control playing like this. You never really know what he's going to do. Some days he's able to slow down and make the right reads, and other days he rushes. It’s part of the process.”
Speed and precipitation…
Undoubtedly less ready than he thought he would be for the NBA game, Scoot Henderson is therefore learning, with an average of 11.8 points at 37% success including 27% behind the 3-point line, 4.4 assists for 3.1 ball losses per match. Above all trying to understand how not to confuse speed and precipitation.
“Patience – knowing when to change pace, knowing scouting reports, little things like that that I didn’t know when I came to the NBA – it’s really huge”he describes. “Know the players’ tendencies and all that on the defensive level, but also on the offensive level. I try to improve every game.”
And for that, even if it may not lead to ROY's trophy, he can count on several leaders/mentors: Chauncey Billups, Scott Brooks, Jason Hart, Pooh Jeter or his teammate Malcolm Brogdon.
