Scoot Henderson doesn't let himself be brought down despite his challenging start in NBA career: "I want to be one of the best in the league"

Scoot Henderson is not having the ideal start to his NBA career. The player who just 18 months ago was being compared to Victor Wembanyama is facing difficulties in maintaining his status as the 3rd pick of the Draft. It is true that he has entered a franchise with challenges like the Portland Trail Blazers. Recently, the 20-year-old point guard granted an interview for HoopsHype talking about the team's current hot topics, personal matters, and much more…

How would you describe this Blazers team?

I believe we will soon be one of the best teams in the league with the young core we have and the gritty players who are part of the team. Donovan Clingan has shown glimpses of his potential, and there is also Shaedon Sharpe. I try to feed them the ball and do my thing. My main goal is to give them the ball, let them shine, and showcase their talent to the world. I am trying to be a leader on and off the court, getting to know the guys more. I think we are a group that plays with intensity and will surprise many teams during the season.

Lessons learned in your second NBA season

Some important lessons are not to focus on how others play, not to wish for this or that. I knew that for a long time, but I believe it is very valuable for any young player starting out. Control what you can control: how you work, play, and mentally and physically prepare. Take care of your body and mental health.

Playing for Chauncey Billups, a Hall of Fame point guard

First, congratulations to him for entering the Hall of Fame. We all knew it was going to happen. It's incredible to have a Hall of Famer as a coach, which is crazy. I have learned a lot from Chauncey, like the nuances of the game. He has taught me how to practice, just like Pooh Jeter. Chauncey makes sure I call the plays, attack in drills, get players into offensive rhythm, and be vocal. Chauncey was a leader and very communicative when he played, and he tries to instill those little details of his playing style in me.

Leading as a 20-year-old point guard

I think it's about showing them that you are capable, taking responsibility, and telling teammates where they will receive the ball. Leading means guiding the team in the right direction, both when things go well and when mistakes are made. I believe men respect you much more if you are honest with them rather than lying to them. In the locker room, they show me a good level of respect. Our young group is very united right now, and we all respect each other.

Being the cornerstone of the franchise after Dame Lillard's departure

It has been a great opportunity to grow. I'm not trying to fill Dame's shoes; I want to be myself. I want to win games and give the city a reason to come to the games. With the young core we have, I want to make it exciting for fans worldwide to see the Trail Blazers on the rise, especially with the veteran players on the team who are great scorers. These two years here have been a great learning experience. I think the only way is up, and I am ready.

Next steps in your development

My next steps are controlling the pace of the game and focusing on knowing when to slow down and run our plays to consume time or stop opponents defensively. I also need to know when it's time to look for a basket and play fast.

Keeping track of Wembanyama and Miller

Honestly, no. I am aware of what is happening in the league in general. If either of them stands out, I see it or notice it when we play against them. I want to be one of the best in the league, not just one of the best young players. That is my goal.

Having your own PUMA shoe model at 20

It's a blessing to know that I am one of the youngest players to have exclusive sneakers in the league. PUMA believed in me, and all I can do is try to repay that support with respect and dedication. I don't take it for granted.

Design process of the Scoot Zero II

I was very involved. My sister, the PUMA team, and I worked together throughout the process. I gave my input on how I wanted them to look, and they did a great job bringing my dreams to life.

Selection of colors and features for the sneakers

There were many options. Some designs will have bold colors, while others will be simpler for anyone to wear. The colors came from my imagination, and the PUMA team came back with proposals. I told them what I liked and what I didn’t. It was a trial-and-error process with colors and their shades.

Collaboration with PUMA during the season

I was quite involved. Since I participate a lot in the design of my sneakers, we would meet twice during the season. If I came up with something, I would share it in the group chat. For example, if I saw something interesting, I would tell them it could be a good idea or that certain colors together looked amazing. They do a great job bringing my ideas to life.

Future developments with PUMA

For now, I want all the focus to be on the Scoot Zero II. In the future, we'll see. I want to see the fans' feedback. I wore the Scoot Zero II on Media Day and have been using them throughout the season.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Scoot Henderson no se viene abajo pese a su complicado inicio de carrera NBA: "Quiero ser uno de los mejores de la liga"