Scoot Henderson, the highly-touted third overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, faced a tumultuous rookie season with the Portland Trail Blazers. Despite high expectations, Henderson’s journey was marked by significant struggles and learning experiences.
Henderson’s troubles began early, with a shoulder injury during the Summer League that limited his preparation for the regular season. This injury not only affected his physical readiness but also his confidence and rhythm as he transitioned to the NBA.
Throughout the season, Henderson grappled with consistency issues, particularly in his shooting. The Trail Blazers’ roster, plagued by a lack of effective shooting support, further complicated his situation. The potential trades of key players like Jerami Grant and Anfernee Simons added to the instability, making it difficult for Henderson to find his footing.
Henderson was initially seen as a strong contender for the Rookie of the Year award. However, his performance fell short of these expectations, drawing criticism from analysts and fans alike.
Now, during Blazers media day before the start of the 2024-25 NBA season, Henderson was asked about what he learned from his rookie season. His reply, while appearing visibly cooked, went viral for all the wrong reasons.
“I look back at the good food … the good food that I had. Yeah… a lot of food. And… you know… what I learned from it.”
Truly a Blazer… 🥦 pic.twitter.com/2108nxLcM4
— OpenCourt-Basketball (@OpenCourtFB) October 1, 2024
