Scoot Henderson is a dynamic point guard who can lead teams nightly, but Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups wants to unlock another area of his game: By playing off the ball.
Henderson solidified himself as a top-three pick after two seasons with the G League Ignite. He was often the primary ballhandler with that group and found success. He seldom played off the ball but proved he could play in either role when necessary.
Now, with the Trail Blazers, Henderson won’t be forced to play as the point guard as much with Anfernee Simons, Malcolm Brogdon and others on the roster.
“It is probably new for him to play off the ball,” Billups said. “We have other guys that can play on the ball so he just has to get used to it but it will be an adjustment for him playing off the ball.”
The team saw Henderson play in both roles on Thursday.
He responded by producing a game-high 22 points, four rebounds and four assists in a 122-111 loss to the Phoenix Suns. He was efficient from the floor, shooting 8-of-14 and 2-of-5 from 3-point range, in nearly 31 minutes of action.
The third pick did have some struggles on the court. While he had some good cuts and drives to the basket, he also finished with six of the Trail Blazers’ 15 turnovers before fouling out in the fourth quarter.
“You just try to play the position no matter where you’re at on the floor,” Billups said. “Just play the same way. Even though you might be off of the ball, when you get it, you’re going to have a lot of play-making opportunities. Just do what you do. But it is an adjustment.”
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The adjustment for Henderson will likely be a work in progress. He will have to account for playing against bigger players at a higher level, as opposed to the competition in the G League. However, he has the size and skill set to eventually flourish on the court.
Billups and the coaching staff view the preseason as a great opportunity for Henderson, Shaedon Sharpe and others to get reps. The team has two more games left before beginning the regular season on Oct. 25 and will be looking to get them on the court as much as possible.
“They need these minutes,” Billups said. “They need the time. They need to get out there. They haven’t played in a league long enough to be kind of sitting back and chilling. … They need the experience.”
Portland returns to action on Saturday against Utah.
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