Scoot Henderson’s cold start without Ja Morant puts his Blazers future in doubt

Reese Kunz of Rip City Project argues that Scoot Henderson's slow start to the season threatens his long-term future with the Portland Trail Blazers. Despite injuries sidelining backcourt teammates Ja Morant, Shaedon Sharpe, and Vit Krejci, Henderson has struggled after being elevated to head coach Micah Nori's starting lineup. Through the team's 6-1 start, Henderson has averaged just 8.7 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.4 assists while shooting 33 percent from the field.

Kunz highlights that general manager Joe Cronin and the franchise opted against signing Henderson to a rookie-scale extension, leaving him set for restricted free agency next summer. The writer contends that November represents a critical window for the former third overall pick to prove his worth before injured guards return, suggesting Portland may consider moving on if his offensive inefficiency continues.