Heading into the 2023 NBA Draft, Scoot Henderson was seen by many as a strong basketball prospect, showing athleticism and dynamic scoring wrapped up in an all-around game.

But his rookie season didn’t necessarily inspire confidence. He scored 14 points per game, but did so on an abysmal 39% shooting from the field, including a terrifying 3.4 turnovers per game.

It wasn’t the debut season he and Trail Blazers fans were probably hoping for. But he seems to be finding his groove early in season two.

On Friday night, Henderson looked like a potent bench weapon, scoring 15 points on wildly efficient 7-for-9 shooting, including six assists on three turnovers, to go with three steals.

His only two misses came from behind the arc – an area that still needs a lot of work – but Portland will have efficient two-point shooting in the meantime.

The 6-foot-1 guard saw some inefficiency in his season opener — he shot 7-for-18 from the field — but also managed it positively, with 22 bench points, four assists and four rebounds with just two turnovers.

Overall, the team’s top draftee seems to be feeling somewhat comfortable in the NBA, something he has rarely experienced over the past year. Henderson started 32 of 62 games last season but appears to be embracing the backup role so far this year.

Of course, the franchise will look to Henderson as the starting point guard in the long term. But for now, there’s little reason to ruin a good thing.

The Trail Blazers return to action tonight against the New Orleans Pelicans in their first back-to-back of the 2024-2025 season.

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