Scoot Henderson Nearing Return as Blazers Eye Backcourt Boost
The Portland Trail Blazers may be getting a key piece of their young core back in the lineup soon. Head coach Tiago Splitter said that third-year guard Scoot Henderson is expected to return “very, very soon,” signaling that the long wait for his season debut could be nearing its end.
Henderson, who’s been sidelined all season with a left hamstring tear, is reportedly in the final stages of his recovery. While the Blazers have been cautious about placing a firm timeline on his return, the signs are pointing toward an imminent comeback.
This is big news for a Portland team that’s been navigating the ups and downs of a transitional season. Henderson, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, has shown flashes of his potential in his first two seasons.
He’s averaged 13.3 points and 5.2 assists per game across his young career, with a three-point shooting mark of 34.0% in just under 28 minutes a night. While turnovers have been part of the learning curve-he averaged 3.4 per game as a rookie-that number dipped to 2.7 in his second season, a sign of growth in his decision-making.
His return could provide some much-needed stability to Portland’s backcourt, especially with veteran guard Jrue Holiday having appeared in just 21 of the team’s first 49 games. The Blazers currently sit ninth in the Western Conference, and while the standings are tight, Henderson’s return gives them a chance to evaluate their backcourt of the future. With his rookie extension eligibility looming this summer, these next few months could be pivotal in shaping the franchise’s direction.
Vit Krejci Adds Shooting Depth to Portland’s Rotation
Splitter also spoke about newly acquired wing Vit Krejci, who’s expected to slot into the rotation quickly. “He’s excited about coming here,” Splitter said.
“Great shooter. A guy that doesn’t need many inches to shoot the basketball.
And I think we are thirsty for a shooter like him … he’s a player that’s going to help us a lot.”
That thirst is real-Portland ranks dead last in the NBA in three-point percentage, connecting on just 33.6% of their attempts. Krejci, a career 40.5% shooter from deep, is in the midst of his best scoring season yet, averaging 9.0 points per game. His quick release and floor-spacing ability could be a valuable addition to a team still figuring out its offensive identity.
Nuggets Focus on Cap Flexibility, Not Fireworks at Trade Deadline
Up in Denver, don’t expect any blockbuster moves ahead of the trade deadline. Despite some speculation, the Nuggets are not expected to part ways with veterans like Jonas Valanciunas or Cameron Johnson. Peyton Watson, another name floated in trade chatter, is also considered off-limits-even though Denver may face challenges retaining him in free agency this summer.
Instead, the Nuggets’ focus appears to be on financial flexibility. Their goals include getting under the luxury tax threshold and converting two-way forward Spencer Jones to a standard NBA contract. Zeke Nnaji is reportedly the player Denver would most like to move, but with multiple years left on his deal, finding a trade partner won’t be easy.
Jamal Murray Finally Earns First All-Star Nod
One of the league’s most consistent postseason performers finally got his due. Jamal Murray has been named to his first All-Star Game, a long-overdue honor for a player whose résumé includes multiple 50-point playoff games, a triple-double in the NBA Finals, and a championship ring.
“When I saw (the announcement), so many things went through my mind,” said Nuggets assistant coach David Adelman. “Multiple 50-point games.
Triple-double in the Finals. NBA champion.
Most wins in the West over the last 10 years.”
Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault echoed that sentiment ahead of Denver’s matchup with Oklahoma City. “First of all, congrats to Jamal Murray,” he said.
“It’s remarkable he’s never been an All-Star. He’s an All-Star-level player.
And very deserving this season.”
Murray becomes the first Nuggets All-Star not named Nikola Jokic since Carmelo Anthony, a testament to both his individual excellence and his role in Denver’s rise to the top of the Western Conference.
As the trade deadline nears and the All-Star break approaches, both Portland and Denver are navigating different stages of their roster evolution. But whether it’s a young guard returning from injury or a veteran finally getting his flowers, the Northwest Division continues to deliver compelling storylines.