Brandon Miller chosen by Charlotte in second position in the Draft, it is therefore quite natural that Portland has set its sights on Scooter Henderson. A choice perhaps made by default but which finally makes sense in several aspects, as the next “double zero” issue explained during his presentation conference alongside Rayan Rupert and Kris Murray. In Oregon, the former Team Ignite leader will have the opportunity to be surrounded by three leaders with whom he can continue to progress.
The first should undoubtedly be Damian Lillard, a time envisaged on the departure, until the Blazers put an end to speculation around a trade.
At nearly 33, the Portland legend could be the mentor who will help Scoot Henderson move from the G-League to the NBA, where he will eventually become a dominant player. With number 0 and 00 in backcourt or back-up, Portland would indeed have something to spark!
“I think it would be great to learn from him, to be able to sit back and watch such a player, especially being so close to him.”, he explainedwhile the two players had already exchanged by message two years earlier. “It’s mainly the way he arrived in the league: he was not afraid of anything. He wasn’t afraid of anyone. He arrived in the NBA and impacted the game at a high level. Just learning from that would be awesome.”
Everyone has their role
The other mentor able to help him flourish in the NBA is none other than his former teammate Pooh Jeter. The veteran point guard, endowed with a solid experience abroad and also passed through the NBA, has accompanied him within the Ignite structure for the past two years and he will constitute a valuable benchmark in the organization of the Blazers.
“It’s hugely important, and it’s kind of crazy. I came to the G-League at 17, young enough to turn pro. And Pooh always believed in me, and helped me, through tough days, tough games or whatever. It’s very special to be able to have a guy like Pooh, someone who will stay true to you. I kind of felt that the first time I came to train in Portland. On my first workout, I just felt affection, and to be here now is a privilege.”
More mature young people?
In addition to Damian Lillard who will guide him as captain and teammate, and Pooh Jeter who will be there to help, encourage and keep him going, Scoot Henderson will also have the chance to learn from Chauncey Billups, a another benchmark leader, NBA champion in 2004 and who was one of the best leaders in the league from 1997 to 2014. The relationship will necessarily be different with his future coach, who may be less close to him than his two acolytes , especially in view of the expectations of Chauncey Billups, who considers his rookies more “NBA ready” this year than Shaedon Sharpe, recruited in 7th position last season.
“Their IQ is different from guys their age, and that’s what they’re here for. They were chosen for these reasons. So those things attributable to younger players will be minimized with those boys. As Scoot said, he’s the longest-playing player in the G-League for the past two years. It’s pretty amazing.” for his part slipped Chauncey Billups. “I don’t feel like these guys are young, but more like they can contribute right away for our team.” A way to reassure Damian Lillard, who hoped to see veterans land…
