Rockets NBA Draft Prospect: Scoot Henderson Believes He Should Go No. 1

Houston Rockets draft prospect Scoot Henderson believes he should be the first prospect taken during the 2023 NBA Draft in June.

HOUSTON — Scoot Henderson is the projected No. 2 pick of the 2023 NBA Draft. He gave up his college eligibility in 2021 to sign a two-year deal with the G League Ignite and has averaged 16.5 points, 6.5 assists and 5.4 rebounds in 29 career games. 

The general public considers Henderson the second-best prospect entering the draft. He understands he will not fall below the top five. But in an interview with GQ Magazine, Henderson believes he should be the No. 1 pick over French phenom Victor Wembanyama.

"I think I should go one," Henderson says. "I know I’m gonna go one. Now, does going first overall really matter? Yes. Of course. Who doesn’t want to go one?"

Doing the NBA's Rising Star event in February, Henderson revealed he has already started to think about his fit on each potential team — which includes the Houston Rockets.

Henderson did not say which player or team he prefers. But he acknowledged his desire to play in an explosive backcourt next to another dynamic guard. He described the idea as "showtime."

But regardless of which team calls his name on June 22 inside the Barclays Center, Henderson will bring his O.D.D. [overly determined to dominate] mentality to the NBA.

"I definitely think about playing with guys," Henderson said. "I've seen the Raptors, thinking about what it's going to be to play with Scottie [Barnes]. Or like playing with Melo [LaMelo Ball]. The Rockets, what's it like to play with that young corps? And of course, the [San Antonio] Spurs.

"I think about it. But I do not take it into serious consideration because I really do not know. I just try to control what I can control. And that's working out and how to expand my game."

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You can follow Coty M. Davis on Twitter at @CotyDavis_24

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