Trail Blazers rookie Scoot Henderson was asked about the trade request from superstar teammate Damian Lillard that took the NBA world by storm.
Lillard’s request to be traded from Portland became public on Saturday, with various teams, namely the Heat and Nets, emerging as potential landing spots for the All-Star point guard.
After a workout session on Saturday, media members spoke to Henderson about Lillard’s trade request.
“I would love to play with him. We have a great relationship,” Henderson said of Lillard.
But when asked about potentially becoming the next face of the franchise in Portland, Henderson said, “I’m ready to embrace that. … I feel like [G-League] Ignite has taught me a lot. … I feel like as long as I’m mentally strong, and I am, and mentally comfortable with everything that’s going on in my life, I’m going to embrace it.”
Reporter: “How are you prepared to be able to handle [being the face of the franchise]?
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) July 1, 2023
Scoot Henderson: “I’m ready to embrace that.”
Scoot Henderson is ready to lead if Damian Lillard is traded 😤
(via @AaronJFentress)pic.twitter.com/lgWfXHzyKu
Portland selected Henderson with the No. 3 pick in the 2023 NBA draft after Victor Wembanyama was taken at No. 1 by the Spurs and Brandon Miller was picked No. 2 by the Hornets.
The Trail Blazers’ offloading of Lillard could result in Henderson having a significantly bigger role, particularly on offense, during his rookie season.
He’d likely line up alongside a young nucleus consisting of Anfernee Simons and Shaedon Sharpe, as well as Jerami Grant who signed a five-year, $160 million extension with the team in free agency.
Whether or not Lillard is suiting up alongside him in Portland, Henderson indicated he’s focused on his own game and making an impact as a rookie.
