Trail Blazers News: Why Scoot Henderson Has Earned Coaches' Trust To Return To Starting 5 Permanently

Scoot is slowly starting to find his footing in the league.

Scoot Henderson's career got off to a rough start as he dealt with both metaphorical and literal pain. Taking significant took time to get adjusted to the league, and on top of that, he also battled injury, setting him back and adding obstacles.

Fast forward a few months later, and it's been a different story. While Scoot has been anything but perfect, he's undoubtedly improved, with head coach Chauncey Billups mentioning how advanced he has become as a young player, playing "so well on both sides of the floor (per Aaron Fentress of The Oregonian). 

Despite his rough start to the season, Henderson is now averaging 13 points and 5 assists a night – albeit, on poor efficiency. That being said, most lead guards struggle in their first season, as NBA offenses and defenses are completely different from lower levels of play schematically. Even the league's elite like Trae Young and Darius Garland, got their careers off to woeful starts highlighted by bad defense, poor efficiency, and high turnover rates. 

For Henderson, expect the team around him's continued improvement to help him out greatly. As a lead guard, high-IQ teammates who make the right plays on both ends of the floor make his life much easier, and having the right spacing around him is of utmost importance as the team looks to capitalize on his world-class athleticism at the position.