Scoot Henderson Dreams of Teaming Up with Damian Lillard

JUNE 23, 2023 17:00

Following weeks of rife speculation surrounding a possible pre-draft trade, the Portland Trail Blazers silenced the rumors by selecting G League Ignite guard, Scoot Henderson, with their third pick in the NBA draft on Thursday night.

"I Move with Love"

On being selected third in the lineup, Henderson remained unfazed. "Not at all," he said. "I'm glad to see Brandon go there. I'm pretty sure it's a great fit for him. That's how I move. I move with love. I'm not mad that I didn't go 2 or I didn't go 1.

I'm blessed to go 3, and to be here with my family with me." Henderson's energy, optimism, and faith are palpable. His modest attitude and sportsmanlike spirit are set to make him a fan favorite.

A Look into Henderson's Hopes and Achievements

Henderson is keen on partnering with Damian Lillard, popularly known as Dame.

"I'm hoping to get to play with Dame, for sure," Henderson expressed. "Special talent, special guard. One of my favorites to watch, especially film-wise. Just to pick out how he moves off the court, as well. Yeah, it would be cool to play with him." His experience in the G League is something Henderson believes will serve him well.

The 19-year-old guard, who averaged 16.5 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 6.5 assists across 19 regular-season games last season, said his G League tenure gave him a competitive edge over other prospects. In the Showcase Cup games — the G League's in-season tournament — Henderson has maintained impressive averages of 16.5 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 4.5 assists over 17 games in the past two seasons.

G League Ignite: A Platform for Growth

"I'm the most prepared player in the draft," he confidently declared. "The fact that I went there for two years just taught me so much. On the court, as well, but a lot of things off the court.

I learned how to be a pro off the court." Henderson's two years with the G League Ignite provided not only a solid foundation for his professional basketball career, but also an environment conducive to personal growth and development. "Just so much time off and just trying to find what to do.

I found the hobbies that I like to do. Ignite definitely showed me a lot of things that I wouldn't get anywhere else. I'm blessed that I did the two years that I did, and I grew so much from it."