Scoot Henderson’s Return Looms - But He’ll Have to Earn His Spot
Scoot Henderson hasn’t logged a minute for the Portland Trail Blazers this season, and with the calendar about to flip to 2026, that’s a tough pill to swallow for a player entering a pivotal stretch in his young career. The third-year guard has been sidelined since September with a left hamstring injury - and it’s become clear this wasn’t just a minor tweak.
For a 21-year-old who came into the league with sky-high expectations, this was supposed to be the season to turn the page. Not just to quiet the critics, but to lay the foundation for a potential contract extension next summer. Instead, he’s been watching from the sidelines - and when he finally does return, he won’t be walking into a guaranteed starting role.
A Rocky Start, A Glimmer of Growth
Let’s rewind for a moment. Henderson was the No. 3 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, taken after Victor Wembanyama and Brandon Miller.
It was a high-profile selection, especially with Damian Lillard’s departure clearing the way for a new era in Portland. But Henderson’s rookie campaign didn’t deliver what many hoped.
Turnovers, shaky decision-making, trouble finishing at the rim - all of it added up to a rocky debut.
Year two? There was clear progress, particularly after the new year hit.
Henderson flashed the kind of explosiveness and playmaking that got him drafted so high. But consistency remained elusive.
For every breakout performance, there were stretches where he faded into the background - or worse, slipped back into the habits that plagued his rookie season.
Through two years, his numbers tell the story: 13.3 points per game, 5.2 assists, 3.1 rebounds, and just under a steal per game. He’s shooting 40.1% from the field and 34.0% from deep - respectable, but not eye-popping. For a player with his pedigree, there’s still a gap between potential and production.
What Happens When He’s Back?
Henderson’s return is likely coming in early January, which would leave him with fewer than 50 games to make his mark this season. And when he does suit up, he’ll be joining a backcourt that’s already found some chemistry.
Jrue Holiday - the veteran guard acquired in the offseason - has stepped in and brought exactly what you’d expect: poise, defense, and leadership. Pairing him with Shaedon Sharpe has given Portland a backcourt that’s long, athletic, and capable on both ends. Sharpe, in particular, has shown enough growth to warrant keeping his starting job, especially if he continues his efficient scoring.
That leaves Henderson as the third guard in the rotation - at least initially. He’ll likely be on a minutes restriction out of the gate, but even once he’s fully cleared, he’ll have to earn his way back into the starting five. Holiday brings a steady hand, Sharpe brings explosiveness, and both have been available - something Henderson hasn’t been.
Still, there’s a clear role for him. Portland needs playmaking.
They need someone who can organize the offense and take some of the creation burden off Deni Avdija, who’s been asked to do more than he should in that department. If Henderson can bring structure to the offense and make smart decisions with the ball, there’s a path to reclaiming his status as the team’s lead guard.
The Checklist for Scoot
For Henderson to take that next step, there are some non-negotiables. First and foremost: consistency.
The flashes are great, but they can’t be occasional. He needs to string together strong performances and minimize the quiet nights.
He might not be on an All-Star track just yet, but he can absolutely be a high-level starting point guard in this league - if the right habits take hold.
Statistically, there are a few key areas where growth is essential. Shooting-wise, hitting 35% from three is serviceable, but the bigger issue is around the rim.
He converted just 55% of his shots at the basket last season - that needs to climb closer to 70% if he wants to be a reliable finisher. His midrange game also needs a boost, particularly within 14 feet, where he shot just 34%.
Getting that closer to 50% would make him far more dangerous in pick-and-roll situations.
His effective field goal percentage (eFG%) sat at 49.5% last season. Ideally, that number rises to 53-54%, which would reflect better shot selection and improved efficiency.
Then there’s the playmaking. Henderson’s turnover rate through two seasons is 17% - too high for a lead guard.
Dropping that into single digits would be a huge step forward, putting him in the same ballpark as elite ball handlers like Tyus Jones. At the same time, his assist rate - currently at 27% - needs to climb north of 33%.
That’s the level of facilitation we’ve seen from someone like Dejounte Murray at his best.
Bottom line: Henderson needs to be the best playmaker on the floor when he’s out there. That means controlling tempo, making smart reads, and limiting mistakes.
Proving Ground
When Henderson returns, it won’t be with a red carpet rolled out. He’ll be coming off the bench, and the onus will be on him to earn more. And that’s exactly how it should be.
This isn’t about punishing a young player - it’s about accountability. The idea that a former high draft pick is owed a starting spot just because of where he was selected doesn’t hold water.
Henderson’s rookie year removed any sense of entitlement. Now it’s about results.
There’s no denying the talent. Henderson has the tools to be a dynamic lead guard in the NBA.
But at this stage, it’s not about potential - it’s about production. The Trail Blazers need him to be a stabilizing force, not a question mark.
And here’s the real test: with Damian Lillard expected back next season, Henderson has to make a case that the point guard job shouldn’t just default back to the veteran. That doesn’t mean he has to outplay Lillard - but he does need to give the organization something to think about.
If Henderson can show growth, maturity, and command of the offense, he could change the conversation. He could shift the narrative from “maybe he’ll figure it out” to “he might be the guy.”
That’s the challenge ahead. And it starts the moment he steps back on the court.