The number three draft pick of the Portland Trail Blazers, Scoot Henderson, is not out of the woods yet. The 19-year-old guard joined the NBA G League Ignite straight out of high school. Graduating early, Henderson became the youngest, at 17, to join the league. He was a top prospect even during his 2021 class. Acquainted early on with basketball, courtesy of his three sisters, Henderson practically grew up with basketball.

When he joined the G League, Henderson’s debut had to be pushed back due to a rib injury. It seems that the injury-riddled affair has followed him even now.

Henderson’s injury is concerning for Portland

In the latest injury update regarding the future face of the franchise, things don’t look too good. Marc Stein tweeted that the right ankle sprain has caused more trouble than they initially thought. A bone bruising, in addition to an ankle sprain, will keep Scoot out at the very least, for two to three weeks.

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“Scoota” is no stranger to injuries. Even while playing for the Ignite, he faced a series of injuries. As mentioned above, his first instance of a serious injury was at the start of the season itself. A rib injury pushed back his debut from May to November 2021. The next instance would happen in 2022 when Henderson, the projected No.2 pick, was guarding the projected No.1 pick, Victor Wembanyama in a pair of exhibition games.

He had to leave the second game (October 6) in the first quarter due to a bone bruise on his right knee. The most serious injury was yet to happen on November 18, 2022. Scoot suffered a nasal fracture and concussion which resulted in him missing straight 11 games.

It certainly was a huge scare. But came back with renewed energy and by early January 2023, Henderson was back to winning games. Since then, the young guard had been holding steady until the most recent injury plague.

Who is most likely to replace Scoot Henderson in the Blazers’ current dilemma?

Scoota’s absence comes right behind Portland’s woe of not having Anfernee Simons. Though it’s not a great situation for them, it does open up chances for other players to come forward and take the lead. One such likely candidate is the Blazers’ offseason acquisition, DeAndre Ayton.

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The most likely player to take Henderson’s place, “DominAyton” is yet to show his, well, dominant side. His time with the Phoenix Suns had put him as a perfect player to trade in place of Jusuf Nurkic. But his current averages are, at the best, just okay. However, there is still hope, as Portland’s last game against Sacramento revealed a glimpse of the promise that the big man brings to the court.

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They are only eight games into the season and the 7’1 center still has time to show his aggressive side on the court. With the Beaver State missing out on their key players, DeAndre Ayton’s chance to shine has been handed to him on a silver plate.

Do you think Ayton will be able to live up to his own tag of “DominAyton”? Or will Henderson’s injury prove costly for a team with an already poor record? Let us know down below.