Mike Richman here, the host of the daily Locked On Blazers podcast, with your daily Locked On Blazers newsletter. Each day we bring you the biggest stories about the Blazers and the NBA, including the hottest links to other stories you need to read. Plus, Josh Lloyd delivers daily fantasy notes to crush your league.
The Trail Blazers Need to Commit to Their Path
Jan 14, 2025; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Scoot Henderson (00) reacts after a three point basket against the Brooklyn Nets during the first half at Moda Center. | Soobum Im/Soobum Im-Imagn Images
Trail Blazers second year point Scoot Henderson exploded for 39 points against the Brooklyn Nets on Tuesday night, showcasing the potential that made him such a highly-touted prospect. Henderson’s breakout performance included an impressive 8-of-10 shooting from beyond the arc.
It was, in fact, one game. An 18-point loss to a bad Nets team no less. But a game like this demands a similar question the Blazers roster is constantly posing: What’s The Plan Here?
Henerson is inconsistent, imperfect and unfinished. But he’s also stuck as a backup on the current roster with no clear path to earn a starting role. To be clear, he hasn’t played well enough to deserve consistent starter minutes. But deserve, as the philosopher Felicia “Snoop” Pearson put it, has got nothing to do with it.
The inconsistency from Henderson is typical for young players, but it also highlights the challenges the Blazers face in their backcourt situation. What isn’t typical is a roster of a lottery team not making space for a No. 3 overall pick to play unlimited minutes and learn by failing with no one directly in his way.
The presence of Anfernee Simons complicates matters. Simons has been the more consistent and productive player this season, but his long-term fit alongside Henderson remains questionable. The Blazers find themselves at a crossroads, waffling between whether to fully commit to Henderson as their point guard of the future or continue with their current approach.
My stance remains unchanged: the Blazers should explore trading Simons, regardless of Henderson’s performance. The team needs to add more high-level talent, and holding onto Simons may not solve their long-term issues. Trading him likely won’t either. But even is Henderson turns into a complete bust, holding onto Simons won’t help the Blazers long term plan.
It’s time to move on from Simons regardless of Henderson’s production and potential. They Blazers made a choice when they drafted Henderson No. 3 overall. It’s time to commit to that vision even if it fails. Because getting stuck in inaction is worse than missing on a draft pick. Doing both is a death sentence.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Blazers’ backcourt situation, tune into the Locked On Blazers podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Blazers Podcast
• Detailed injury update on Donovan Clingan
• Analysis of Scoot Henderson’s career-high performance
• Discussion on the Blazers’ roster construction and potential trades
Jan 4, 2025; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) greets Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) before a game at Frost Bank Center. | Scott Wachter/Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
I only get to write this column once per week, so while we’re still technically a game or two short of the halfway marker for most teams, I’m here with some second-quarter awards anyway!
These are honors for the second quarter and second quarter only; they aren’t predictive. Word count limitations mean I have no margin for a longer introduction. You get it.
Interior Defensive Player of the Quarter
Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs
When it comes to analyzing defense, it isn’t fair to lump wings and guards with bigs; it’s like comparing a sports car to a heavy-duty pickup truck when you can only buy one vehicle. Instead, I split Defensive Player of the Quarter into interior and perimeter editions.
My Interior Defensive Player of the Quarter won’t shock: it’s Victor Wembanyama. I could throw a bunch of advanced analytics at you to prove the case, but instead, I’d ask that you join me in prayer: Holy mother of basketballs, protect your children from the harm Wembanyama inflicts upon them.
Ok, fine, here’s one fun, if basic, number. In the season’s second quarter, Wemby had an outrageous 69 blocks. That’s 30 more than second-place Myles Turner, despite the fact that Turner played in three more games. Let’s not waste time here.
Mike Shearer (@bballispoetry) has written about the NBA full-time since 2021 at various and sundry places. For more from Mike, check out his Substack bestseller, Basketball Poetry, where he uses unnecessary metaphors and the occasional haiku to discuss the NBA’s happenings with an analytical lens.
Home and Away
Injury Portland Trail Blazers’ center Donovan Clingan has been diagnosed with a mild ankle sprain, potentially impacting the team’s upcoming games against the Brooklyn Nets. (Blazer’s Edge)
Preview The Clippers travel to Portland to face the Trail Blazers tonight at 10:00 PM ET. Read the preview.(NBA)
Nick Richards Traded to Phoenix Suns: Fantasy Basketball Impact and Analysis
Jan 12, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Charlotte Hornets center Nick Richards (4) against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas/Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The Phoenix Suns have acquired center Nick Richards from the Charlotte Hornets in a trade that sent shockwaves through the NBA. While not a blockbuster deal, this move has significant implications for fantasy basketball managers.
In exchange for Richards, the Hornets received Josh Okogie and three second-round picks, while the Suns also got a second-round pick in return. At first glance, it might seem like the Suns got a steal, but let’s take a closer look at what this means for Richards’ fantasy value.
Richards has been averaging 21 minutes per game this season, putting up 9 points and 7.5 rebounds with 1.2 blocks. These numbers have him ranked 205th in category leagues, which is far from impressive. However, the change of scenery could potentially boost his value.
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Blazers podcasts.
Can Scoot Henderson Thrive as a Pass First PG? Are the Trail Blazers Winning Too Much? Mailbag! A listener mailbag answering questions about Scoot Henderson, Losing and Vibes, Donovan Clingan’s Development and whether the Trail Blazers are winning too much.
Anfernee Simons Scores 36 but Trail Blazers Falter Late Against Pistons in Detroit A solid loss for the tanking enthusiasts. A rough ending for the people who want the Portland Trail Blazers to win basketball games this season.
Anfernee Simons Guides the Trail Blazers to a Clutch Win Over Damian Lillard and the Milwaukee Bucks Ant goes for 23 in the second half and the Trail Blazers beat the Bucks in Milwaukee. Plus, Scoot Henderson shared his thoughts on how to maximize his abilities.
