When the Portland Trail Blazers announced Damian Lillard’s emotional return to Rip City, many wondered how it would affect the team’s young cornerstone, Scoot Henderson. After all, Henderson was drafted third overall in 2023 to be Lillard’s successor, not his sidekick. But according to Zach Lowe, the 21-year-old guard isn’t just accepting the reunion, he’s thrilled about it.
“Scoot Henderson was clued in to what was going on to make sure he was cool with it,” Lowe said on The Zach Lowe Show. “What I’ve been told is he was super enthusiastic about it, not threatened at all.”
Zach Lowe confirms that Scoot was clued in before the Dame signing happened:
“He was super enthusiastic about it, not threatened at all. There was this undercurrent of ‘if I’m Scoot I’m going to be angry’…Scoot’s gonna have all the runway in the world.”
(Via Zach Lowe Show) pic.twitter.com/vou4GjbVb2
— Blazers Lead (@BlazersLead) July 21, 2025
That enthusiasm flies in the face of speculation that Henderson might feel sidelined or frustrated by Lillard’s return. With Lillard expected to miss most of the 2025–26 season while recovering from a torn Achilles, Henderson will have full control of the offense and a chance to grow without pressure.
“Scoot’s gonna have all the runway in the world,” Lowe added. “And then we’ll see—can they play together, who starts, who comes off the bench.”
The Blazers’ front office made sure to involve Henderson in the decision-making process, a sign of trust and respect for the young guard’s role in the franchise’s future. And the mentorship opportunity is undeniable. Henderson now finds himself surrounded by elite minds: Lillard, one of the greatest offensive point guards of all time; Jrue Holiday, a six-time All-Defensive selection; and head coach Chauncey Billups, a Finals MVP and Hall of Fame floor general.
Last season, Henderson averaged 12.7 points, 5.1 assists, and 3.0 rebounds while shooting 41.9% from the field. With Anfernee Simons traded to Boston, the starting lineup has a vacancy, and Henderson is poised to fill it. The runway is clear, and the destination could be stardom.
