The NBA landscape has shifted dramatically over the years, and with it, the role of the point guard. Watching Scoot Henderson develop in his second season with the Portland Trail Blazers, an intriguing question arises: Is he a player out of time?
This idea was first proposed by a listener nearly a year ago, suggesting that Henderson might be an anachronism – a player whose style belongs to a different era. At the time, it seemed premature to make such a judgment. However, as we approach 1.5 seasons of the Henderson experience, the question has gained more traction.
Henderson has undoubtedly improved in his sophomore year. His decision-making, comfort level, and timing have all taken steps forward. Yet, his individual scoring hasn’t made the leap many hoped for. This has led to speculation about whether Henderson is evolving into a pass-first point guard in a league that increasingly demands scoring from the position.
The NBA has largely moved away from traditional pass-first floor generals. Today’s star point guards are expected to be scoring threats first, with playmaking as a complementary skill. Players like Tyrese Haliburton and Chris Paul, who balance scoring and playmaking, are rare exceptions rather than the norm.
This shift poses a challenge for Henderson’s development and potential ceiling. While there’s still a place for pass-first guards in the league, they’re typically relegated to backup roles. Players like Tyus Jones, Monte Morris, and T.J. McConnell exemplify this archetype, but they’re not the focal points of their teams’ offenses.
The concern isn’t about Henderson’s talent or potential. It’s about whether his natural inclinations align with the demands of a modern NBA lead guard. To reach star status, Henderson will likely need to develop into a more potent scoring threat.
However, it’s crucial to remember that Henderson is only 20 years old. His game is still evolving, and it’s far too early to pigeonhole him into a specific role. The key for Henderson and the Blazers will be finding the right balance between his natural playmaking instincts and the scoring aggression required in today’s NBA.
For more insights and a deeper dive into Scoot Henderson’s development and the changing landscape of NBA point guards, tune into the Locked On Blazers podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Blazers Podcast:
• The impact of losing on team culture and player morale
• Anfernee Simons’ struggles and the challenges of rebuilding
• The potential of Donovan Clingan and his fit with the Blazers
