Scoot Henderson

With a sterling reputation for their ability to eye, draft, and then develop offensively-gifted guards in a way few organizations can, the Portland Trail Blazers used the 2023 NBA Draft to test those talents once more in selecting Scoot Henderson. Handed the keys to the offense’s point guard role on Day One, the No. 3 pick needed only a half before utilizing his dazzling athletic traits to ease into the milestone performance. Undaunted by the challenge of going toe-to-toe with a player he said to model his game after, Henderson looked the part, blending lightning-quick drives and cleverly-maneuvered finishes at the rim, the lion’s share of it coming during his nine-point fourth quarter heatwave during Portland’s comeback attempt. Matching the L.A. Clippers’ focused-in defense with counters of his own, Henderson responded with veteran-like poise, showcasing the unselfishness and court vision that would become synonymous with his style over the season’s duration. One of just two rookies in 2023-24 to log at least 500 points and 300 assists, Henderson produced a Year One that steadily improved month-to-month. The talented floor general’s first experience ended with 11 points, three rebounds, and four assists on October 25, 2023.

Three-Star Rookie