In a recent episode of “The Old Man and The Three” podcast with JJ Redick, NBA G League player Buzelis Matas, shed light on an underrated aspect of Scoot Henderson’s game that could drive him to greatness in the NBA. Matas praised Henderson’s defensive skills, highlighting his long wingspan and impressive hand size.
“I think he’s really underrated defensively. He has a long wingspan, and his hands are huge. He gets a lot of deflections in game, but I don’t think people notice that, so his defensive instincts are really good,” Matas stated on the podcast.
While Scoot Henderson made headlines after being selected by the Portland Trail Blazers with the third overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, his defensive prowess has often gone unnoticed. Matas’s insight brings attention to a critical aspect of Henderson’s game that sets him apart from his peers and could make a significant impact on the court.
Scoot Henderson ready to step up for the Trail Blazers
As the Portland Trail Blazers face the potential departure of Damian Lillard, their long-time star guard, the spotlight now falls on rookie Scoot Henderson to step up and fill the void. Despite the pressure of potentially becoming the face of the franchise, the 18-year-old talent expressed his readiness to embrace the challenge.
Henderson’s lightning-fast speed and ability to blow past defenders make him a formidable threat in both transition and half-court sets. Not only can he create scoring opportunities for himself, but he also possesses excellent playmaking skills to facilitate for his teammates. With a backcourt that includes promising talents such as Shaedon Sharpe and Anfernee Simons, Henderson’s addition adds even more strength to Portland’s roster.
During his time with the Ignite in the G League, Henderson showcased his talent, averaging 16.5 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 6.5 assists over 19 regular season games. He also demonstrated his abilities in the Showcase Cup games, where he averaged 16.5 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 4.5 assists across 17 games over the past two seasons.
While the news of Damian Lillard’s trade request may be disheartening for Trail Blazers fans, the emergence of Scoot Henderson presents an exciting opportunity for the team. Henderson’s underrated defensive skills, combined with his offensive prowess and willingness to take on leadership responsibilities, position him as a rising star in the NBA.
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