With Damian Lillard now residing in Milwaukee, the Portland Trail Blazers tipped off training camp looking to find a new identity, and Scoot Henderson is ready to lead as needed.
The organization will begin the season with a backcourt featuring Henderson, Anfernee Simons, Shaedon Sharpe and others after the recent moves. Head coach Chauncey Billups will use training camp to identify his potential lineups and rotations with the group.
Naturally, with Henderson arriving as the third pick, expectations have been placed on him to lead the team with Lillard out of the picture. However, Henderson doesn’t see it that way.
I’m Scoot Henderson, so I’ve never been pressured like that. The only pressure I have is from myself; the pressure I put on myself to be the best version of myself that day to maximize that day. … I don’t think there is no pressure on me trying to be the new Dame; I’m not trying to be the new Dame. It is a new era for a reason, so I’m here to be Scoot Henderson.
The 19-year-old established himself as an electrifying guard over the past two seasons with the G League Ignite. He proved he could play either on or off the ball and flourished at running offenses and getting others involved when needed.
Billups and the Trail Blazers are excited to get Henderson involved in the offense. The group is already picturing how dynamic Henderson can be in pick-and-rolls or transition, something he is also excited about.
They want to focus on the pace so I’m trying to push the pace every single time I get the ball, whether I’m getting the rebound or running to the corner. (I’m) really focusing on the pace, crashing and little things like that that are going to make us a really good team in the years.
Said Billups: “Scoot’s athleticism and his speed are going to cause a lot of problems in the pick and roll, especially when you spread it out with his playmaking. He is going to be dangerous.”
Henderson and the Trail Blazers took part in their first practice of training camp on Tuesday. He saw action with different teammates on offense and even connected with a few of them already on some lobs, which speaks to their strong chemistry to start.
He will have plenty to learn throughout the preseason but Henderson believes he is prepared to do whatever is asked of him on the court as the Trail Blazers usher in a new era.
“All of the coaching staff told me what I’m great at and that’s getting everybody involved,” Henderson said. “That is something I love to do so it is no problem for me. … I have no problem defending the ball. That’s what a dog does — he does what everybody else needs him to do.”
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