The Trail Blazers are 2-3 after five games and while it’s still too early to make sweeping proclamations about this team (Wait... is it!?) there are undoubtedly a few notable developments from the opening five games of the season.
One of the standout stories is Scoot Henderson’s noticeable improvement. In his second year, Henderson is showing real progress, especially when compared to his (mildly troubling) rookie season. While his shooting percentages might not be stellar, the real story is in his feel for the game has taken obvious strides. He’s more in control, understanding when to change speeds, and using his athleticism more effectively. This isn’t just about slowing down; it’s about knowing when to accelerate and how to navigate the court with better footwork. Henderson’s growth is evident, and he’s becoming a more functional player, which is promising for the Blazers’ future. Five games into we’ve learned that Scoot is making strides.
Another key takeaway from these early games is that Blazers can field a variety of competent defensive lineups. Unlike previous seasons, the team isn’t trotting out lineups that are easily exploited on defense. The rotation, starting with Henderson coming off the bench, has been structured to put size and plus defenders. Toumani Camara and Deni Avdija have been instrumental in this transformation.
The Blazers’ defense is further bolstered by the presence of Donovan Clingan, who has shown he can be impactful off the bench in a limited role. While his offense is still developing, his defensive impact is undeniable. Clingan’s ability to alter shots and deter drives has been a significant asset, helping the Blazers maintain solid defensive lineups even when with the bench units in the game.
For more insights and a deeper dive into things we’ve learned from the Trail Blazers first five games this season, tune into today’s Locked On Blazers podcast.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Blazers Podcast:
- The impact of the Blazers’ sophomore class
- Toumani Camara’s role and contributions
- Donovan Clingan knows where to he helps
- Lack of shot creators on offense
