Scoot Henderson Nearing Return - and Just in Time for the Blazers
The Portland Trail Blazers have been flying under the radar this season, but that might be about to change. After missing the entire season so far due to a nagging left hamstring tear suffered during an offseason workout, point guard Scoot Henderson is finally nearing a return. He’s cleared for contact drills in practice - a major milestone in his recovery and a sign that the Blazers could soon be getting a much-needed jolt to their backcourt.
This is the kind of update Blazers fans have been waiting for. Portland’s had to navigate a challenging season without their floor general, and while Henderson may face a minutes restriction early on, his return could be the turning point for a team that’s quietly starting to find its stride.
A Young Core Finding Its Footing
Despite the early-season turbulence, there’s reason for optimism in Rip City. The Blazers’ young core is starting to click, and with key players returning from injury, they’re beginning to look like a team that could make a legitimate push - not just for a play-in spot, but potentially for a full-fledged playoff berth.
Henderson’s return could be the catalyst that brings it all together. And while his rookie season drew criticism - fair or not - for not meeting the sky-high expectations that come with being the No. 3 overall pick in 2023, there were signs late last season that he was starting to turn the corner. His decision-making improved, he began to let the game come to him, and he started impacting winning in ways that went beyond the box score.
That kind of growth matters. Especially for a team that’s been missing a true point guard to stabilize the offense.
Addressing the Turnover Problem
Let’s be real: the Blazers have had a turnover problem. According to league data, they led the NBA in turnover percentage during December and still top the charts in that category this season.
That’s not just a stat - it’s a symptom of a larger issue. Without a steady hand at the point, the offense has lacked structure.
Shot creation has been inconsistent, and quality looks have been hard to come by.
As one analyst put it, the Blazers have been playing a style that fits their current personnel - but the results speak for themselves. They need more organization.
They need better ball control. And most of all, they need someone who can run the show.
Enter Scoot Henderson.
Even if he’s not at 100% right away, his presence alone changes the dynamic. His ability to create off the dribble, make reads in the pick-and-roll, and push the pace gives Portland an element they’ve sorely missed.
He’s not just a scorer - he’s a connector. And for a team that’s struggled to generate quality offense, that could be a game-changer.
Winning Ugly - and Why That’s Okay
To their credit, the Blazers have found ways to stay competitive. They’ve been winning the possession battle, hustling on the boards, and grinding out games. It hasn’t always been pretty, but it’s kept them in the mix.
Now imagine pairing that grit with a more efficient offense. If Henderson can help cut down on turnovers and elevate the playmaking, Portland suddenly becomes a much tougher out. In a Western Conference where the margin for error is razor-thin, that kind of improvement could be the difference between playing postseason basketball or booking early vacations.
What’s Next?
There’s still a road ahead. Henderson will need time to ramp up, and there may be some rust to shake off.
But the timing couldn’t be better. The Blazers are trending upward, and their young pieces are developing.
Adding a healthy Scoot Henderson back into the mix gives them a legitimate shot to make some noise down the stretch.
For a team that’s been labeled “disorganized,” this could be the moment they start to put it all together.