Scoot Henderson on Damian Lillard Situation: ‘I Think He Should Stay’

The No. 3 pick wants to play with the Blazers legend.

By taking Scoot Henderson third in the NBA draft, the Trail Blazers ramped up speculation that they could trade Damian Lillard, as they both play point guard. However, Henderson said the two could play together successfully.

After the draft, Henderson made an argument that Portland should instead keep Lillard, as it would be great both on and off the court.

“I think Dame should stay,” Henderson said. “If we combine our games, it will be over. We kind of compliment each other’s game, we are both fun to watch. Ticket sales will go up, all the good stuff would happen if he stayed.”

"If we combine our games, it'll be over." 👀@thereal013 lets @TaylorRooks know to look out for a Dame-Scoot backcourt 🔥 pic.twitter.com/3VzVCAUpzU

— NBA TV (@NBATV) June 23, 2023

Henderson noted that he and Lillard connected after Portland made the pick, and the point guard believes they could form a fearsome pair in the backcourt.

“Our relationship is going to grow,” he said. “I think our games compliment each other.” 

"I think he should stay...it would be great to play along side a guy like Dame"

🏀 The newest member of the @trailblazers Scoot Henderson wants to be Damian Lillard's teammate in Portland #RipCity #NBADraft@TermineRadio | @DalenCuff | @SiriusXMSports https://t.co/rRyTSZcZQV pic.twitter.com/ZpXqtfCwgI

— SiriusXM NBA Radio (@SiriusXMNBA) June 23, 2023

In the G League last year, Henderson played in 19 games and averaged 16.5 points, 6.5 assists and 5.4 rebounds. However, he and Lillard are both around 6’ 2”, which would be a pretty short starting backcourt.

Even if Portland wants to see what Lillard and Henderson look like together, it remains Lillard’s decision whether he wants to return or play for a contender elsewhere. Portland made eight straight playoffs to begin Lillard’s career, but has missed the postseason in each of the last two years, winning just 50 games in that span.