NBA Summer League action got underway in Las Vegas on Friday, with plenty of anticipation building for the debut of Spurs No. 1 pick Victor Wembanyama. However, it was the fast start for another top-three pick, Trail Blazers rookie Scoot Henderson, that turned the heads of those watching first.
Henderson took the court for the first time for Portland against the Rockets and immediately made his impact felt. In the first quarter alone, the former G-League Ignite star scored 13 points on 5-for-7 shooting along with three rebounds and three assists. He produced a number of highlight-reel plays to stuff the stat sheet, beginning with a step-back jumper that dropped cleanly through the bottom of the net.
Scoot is on the board 👏
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) July 7, 2023
(via @espn)pic.twitter.com/4TVtDK9nrk
Henderson didn’t stop there, as he rattled off four straight buckets on the first four shots of his debut. Among the other highlights was a jaw-dropping blow-by into a reverse lay-up finish and yet another step-back jump shot, this time from beyond the arc.
Scoot Henderson with the blow-by and reverse... sheesh.
— NBA (@NBA) July 7, 2023
Watch him take on fellow top-5 pick Amen Thompson in their respective #NBA2KSummerLeague debuts on ESPN! pic.twitter.com/6BctvBz0wd
SCOOT HAS YET TO MISS.
— NBA (@NBA) July 7, 2023
He's 4-4 in his #NBA2KSummerLeague debut.
Get to ESPN! pic.twitter.com/BpR5g8TwiV
Henderson arrived in Las Vegas with high expectations, having dazzled NBA scouts with his speed, athleticism and feel for the game. Though questions lingered about his size—standing at just 6'2"—the 19-year-old’s raw talent was undeniable and he made sure to flash every element of that natural ability on Friday.
Needless to say, the NBA world was amazed by what the Blazers seem to be getting in Henderson and took to social media to give early assessments about the rookie’s game.
SCOOT HENDERSON IS A MF’N HOOPER
— Ashley Nicole Moss (@AshNicoleMoss) July 7, 2023
if your name is scoot henderson you logically have to be talented and famous. if not then what’s the point
— Molly Morrison (@mollyhannahm) July 7, 2023
The Charlotte Hornets selecting Brandon Miller over Scoot Henderson is looking like a disaster more and more by the day…
— Bradeaux (@BradeauxNBA) July 7, 2023
Yes I know it’s summer league, but that decision was obvious.
After watching one half of Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe, I think the Blazers will be just fine parting ways with Dame.
— Krysten Peek (@krystenpeek) July 7, 2023
Just sitting here CACKLING with @NekiasNBA watching Scoot. This rules so hard. This is a dude.
— Sam Vecenie (@Sam_Vecenie) July 7, 2023
If you're a Charlotte fan, maybe just turn your TV off and disconnect the Internet for the next two hours.
— John Hollinger (@johnhollinger) July 7, 2023
I don't know if I have enough superlatives for this Scoot 1st quarter.
— Nekias (Nuh-KY-us) Duncan (@NekiasNBA) July 7, 2023
