Scoot Henderson’s Stalled Start Raises Tough Questions for the Blazers’ 2023 Draft Decision
When the Portland Trail Blazers selected Scoot Henderson with the No. 3 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, it felt like a franchise-defining moment. Henderson was billed as a dynamic, explosive lead guard - a potential star to help usher in a new era post-Damian Lillard. But fast forward to the 2025-26 season, and that moment feels a lot murkier.
Henderson hasn’t logged a single minute this season due to a nagging hamstring injury suffered during offseason workouts. And while injuries are part of the game, the timing couldn’t be worse.
Several of his fellow 2023 draftees - particularly guards like Anthony Black and Keyonte George - are not just making waves; they’re making statements. And in Portland, where the backcourt remains in flux, that’s a tough pill to swallow.
Anthony Black is Making His Leap
Let’s start with Anthony Black. The 6-foot-7 guard out of Arkansas came into the league with questions about his shooting - and understandably so. He knocked down just over 30% of his threes in college, and there were real concerns about how he'd fit into an NBA offense if defenses didn’t have to respect his jumper.
Safe to say, he’s answered those questions - and then some.
Now in his third season with the Orlando Magic, Black has emerged as a key two-way contributor. He’s averaging 15.9 points, 4.0 assists, and 4.1 rebounds per game, while shooting a clean 47% from the field, 36% from deep, and 73% from the line.
But the numbers only tell part of the story. His confidence has soared, and his shot volume is up to 4.5 three-point attempts per game - a clear sign that he’s not just more comfortable, but more assertive.
At just 22 years old, Black’s development curve is steep - and still trending upward. He’s become the kind of versatile guard who can handle the ball, defend multiple positions, and now, space the floor. That’s a rare combination, and one that would’ve slotted in nicely alongside Portland’s current core.
With Deni Avdija taking on more playmaking responsibilities in a point-forward role, the Blazers don’t necessarily need a traditional point guard. What they do need is a two-way guard who can complement that structure - someone like Black, who can play on or off the ball, defend wings, and knock down shots. That kind of fit matters, especially for a team still trying to carve out its identity.
Keyonte George Is Making Noise in Utah
Then there’s Keyonte George, who’s turning heads in Utah with a breakout campaign that has him firmly in the Most Improved Player conversation. He’s averaging 24.4 points, 6.7 assists, and 4.0 rebounds on an eye-popping 46/38/90 shooting split - elite efficiency, particularly for a 22-year-old guard still finding his footing in the league.
George wasn’t even on Portland’s radar at No. 3 - he went 16th overall to the Jazz - but his rise still adds context to the Blazers’ current situation. He’s the kind of electric scorer who can take over a game, and while there are still questions about his defense and long-term role on a contender, there’s no denying the leap he’s made.
Sure, he’s a different archetype than Henderson - more of a pure scorer than a floor general - but when you’re a team in need of offensive punch, it’s hard not to look at what George is doing and wonder what could’ve been.
The Weight of Expectations
None of this is to say Scoot Henderson is a bust - far from it. He showed real growth in his second season, quieting some of the early noise that followed a rocky rookie year. But the hope was that he’d take another leap this season, especially with the Blazers handing him the keys to the offense.
Instead, he’s been sidelined, and the questions are starting to pile up. Can he stay healthy?
Can he develop a consistent jumper? Can he truly lead this team into its next phase?
The answers aren’t clear yet - and that’s the problem. In a draft class that’s looking deeper and more talented with each passing week, uncertainty stands out. Especially when other guards are not just playing - they’re thriving.
A Draft Decision Under the Microscope
Draft decisions always come with risk. But when you’re picking in the top three, the margin for error is razor thin.
The Blazers believed in Scoot Henderson’s upside - his explosiveness, his vision, his leadership potential. Those traits are still there.
But as the rest of the 2023 class continues to rise, the spotlight on Portland’s choice only gets brighter.
This isn’t about rewriting history - it’s about recognizing where things stand today. And right now, the gap between Henderson and his fellow draftees is growing.
That doesn’t mean it’s permanent. But for a franchise still trying to find its footing, it’s a reminder that the NBA draft is as much about fit, timing, and development as it is about raw talent.
Scoot’s story isn’t finished. But the Blazers, and their fans, are still waiting for it to truly begin.