NBA news: In any other draft, Scoot Henderson could have easily gone No. 1 overall. However, the 19-year-old had to settle for the third spot, which if you think about it, is actually a massive steal for the Portland Trail Blazers. In this light, Henderson will have a point to prove this coming season, and he’s already come out with a bold declaration about what he intends to accomplish in his rookie year.
NBA News: Scoot Henderson Claiming Rookie of the Year Title Already
There’s no doubt that all eyes will be on San Antonio Spurs rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama this coming season — and for good reason. However, Scoot Henderson is confident that he will outplay the No. 1 overall pick in their debut campaign. According to the Blazers youngster, he’s going to shock the basketball world in Year 1:
“My goal, obviously, is to win Rookie of the Year, and I will win Rookie of the Year,” Henderson said. I will win rookie of the year.”
Portland Trailblazers’ Scoot Henderson (@thereal013) didn’t take the traditional pathway to the NBA that most players do. As the youngest professional EVER in the G League he was able to not only figure himself out, but his game as well.
Watch… pic.twitter.com/HkMObZ6m4H
— Playmaker (@playmaker) August 7, 2023
The one thing Henderson is not lacking in is self-confidence. He has much more than just that in his arsenal too, and based on what we’ve seen from him thus far, if there’s one player out there who could potentially steal away the Rookie of the Year title from Wembanyama, it’s going to be him.
“That’s just a mindset, a manifestation that I kind of grew,” Henderson said (h/t Jack Maloney of CBS Sports). “Never doubted myself, you know, making sure I’m always putting good energy in the air, making sure I’m telling myself ‘I’m gonna have a great rookie season.’ I’m not saying I want to have a great rookie season, I’m gonna have a great rookie season. I’m gonna have a great career. I will have a great career and making sure that’s always in just past tense because it happened.”
NBA News: Who Are Bucks Rookies for 2023-24?
For their part, the Milwaukee Bucks didn’t exactly get their hands on a Victor Wembanyama or a Scoot Henderson in the recently concluded 2023 NBA Draft. However, they were able to acquire a player that could potentially make their mark on the squad early on.
This comes in the form of Andre Jackson Jr. from UConn. The Bucks traded for the 21-year-old from the Orlando Magic in exchange for cash and a 2030 second-round pick. The 6-foot-6 shooting guard, who was selected as the No. 36 overall pick, has already signed a multi-year contract with Milwaukee, and he’s part of the squad’s 15-man roster for the new season. He won’t take the league by storm, but Jackson could make some noise for the Bucks.
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