When Ja Morant went down last week with a hamstring injury, the expectation was that Jrue Holiday would enter the Trail Blazers’ starting lineup, but head coach Micah Nori instead inserted Scoot Henderson in Morant’s place, citing a need to keep Holiday’s minutes in check. It’s a huge opportunity for Henderson, who didn’t sign a rookie scale extension ahead of last month’s deadline and will now be eligible for restricted free agency during the 2027 offseason.
The Blazers had high hopes for the former G League Ignite star when they drafted him third overall in 2023, but after three years plagued by injuries and inconsistency, Henderson’s place in the team’s long-term plans appears more tenuous.