As the Portland Trail Blazers’ rebuild progresses, eyes are on the most promising players. Scoot Henderson’s development is always important because he is a big part of the Blazers’ potential. Thankfully, coach Chauncey Billups is helping him on the path of improvement.
Chauncey Billups Believes in Scoot Henderson’s Development
Two seasons into Scoot Henderson’s career have been a modest disappointment for some fans of the Portland Trail Blazers. He came into the team with immense hype, considering he was the ready-made replacement for franchise icon Damian Lillard.
Unfortunately, he has not become the surefire star most people expected him to be. He is in a unique situation because he is not yet the full-time starter. Anfernee Simons is still playing for the Blazers as the starting point guard.
From the outside, Billups looks like he does not trust Henderson as the long-term starting point guard. That is not the case because Billups is a huge believer in Henderson’s development. That is why he advised Henderson to work harder in the offseason to prepare for the 2025-26 regular season.
Billups Wants To Capitalize On Henderson’s Development
The second half of the 2024-25 season was a turning point for Henderson and the Blazers. They showed they have the potential to be one of the Western Conference’s best teams. The defense was arguably the best part of that success, as Toumani Camara showcased his elite versatility.
During that stretch, Henderson displayed why the Blazers are high on his potential. He was gradually becoming one of the Blazers’ best players. Henderson was growing in terms of playmaking, defense, and shooting. For the season, Scoot averaged 12.7 points and 5.1 assists per game on 41.9% from the field and 35.4% from three.
Scoot Henderson finally looks as good as everyone thought he’d be
Over his last 5, which includes a 3-point game, he’s averaging 19.8 points, 3.2 boards, and 6.0 assists on 52/50/81 shooting
He looks confident & the Blazers NEED to continue featuring him to develop that https://t.co/azFLgvNCXK pic.twitter.com/h6mTWk6a4g
— Point Made Basketball (@pointmadebball) January 19, 2025
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Those are impressive numbers from his sophomore year, as he mostly played off the bench. He only started 10 out of his 66 games played, which is a sign that he needs time to grow. Billups wants to keep Henderson going, which is why he motivated him to keep working hard in the offseason.
“I was happy for Scoot past season. I was proud of him. It was up and down. He’s one of the guys that he handles the downs and ups with such grace, and he’s great, man,” Billups said in an interview with KATU News. “So I was happy to see him take a step this past season. My challenge for him this summer has been, I want him to play as much five-on-five basketball as he can.”
This clearly reflects Billups’ confidence in Scoot.
The Trail Blazers Should Commit To One Path
Despite the Lillard trade in 2023, the Blazers still feel like they are playing on two timelines. They still have players from the old system, with Simons and Jerami Grant on the roster. The former is in the final year of his contract, and he is a trade target for the Orlando Magic. Grant is another story, especially since his contract is difficult to trade.
WELL WHAT DO WE HAVE HERE YALL?
Anfernee Simons taking in a little Magic playoff basketball. pic.twitter.com/7eZmJCbAHa
— The Sixth Man Show (@SixthManShow) April 26, 2025
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Despite these hurdles, Portland’s rebuild can run better if the team commits to maximizing its young core. Henderson, Shaedon Sharpe, and Donovan Clingan have star-level potential, but they don’t play enough minutes. Opening the pathway to stardom is what the Blazers need for Henderson’s development, and that involves exploring the trade market.
Billups believes in his young core with players like Henderson, Sharpe, Clingan, and Camara. They are not on the same level as teams like the Thunder or Timberwolves, but they are working towards it. They have the coach, system, and players in place. The team needs time to get the most out of its players, and Billups also wants his players to thrive.
Featured image: © Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
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