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What's Next for the Trail Blazers and Damian Lillard after selecting Scoot Henderson

What's Next for the Trail Blazers and Damian Lillard

By Will EckhartPublished 3 years ago 3 min read

The 2023 NBA Draft has come to a close, and the Portland Trail Blazers made a bold move by selecting Scoot Henderson, an exciting young guard with immense potential. With this draft pick, the Trail Blazers have shown their commitment to building a strong supporting cast around their superstar point guard, Damian Lillard. Now, the question arises: What's next for the Trail Blazers and Damian Lillard?

First and foremost, the selection of Scoot Henderson adds depth and versatility to the Trail Blazers' backcourt. Henderson is a dynamic playmaker who possesses exceptional athleticism, handles, and court vision. He has the potential to be a valuable asset alongside Lillard, as he can take on ball-handling duties and create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates. Henderson's presence will undoubtedly alleviate some of the offensive burden on Lillard and provide him with a talented running mate in the backcourt.

With the number 9 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, the Trail Blazers opted to select Scoot Henderson, a dynamic guard with immense potential. Henderson's elite playmaking skills, explosiveness, and ability to create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates make him an exciting addition to Portland's roster. His arrival injects a youthful energy, complementing the experienced core of the team, including Damian Lillard

Moreover, the addition of Henderson signifies the Trail Blazers' commitment to improving their roster and making a push for championship contention. Portland has long been criticized for not providing Lillard with enough support, and this draft pick shows their willingness to rectify that situation. By investing in young talent like Henderson, the Trail Blazers are positioning themselves to create a sustainable winning environment around Lillard.

However, the Trail Blazers' work is far from over. Building a championship-caliber team requires more than just one draft pick. It necessitates astute decision-making in free agency, trades, and player development. The organization must now focus on surrounding Lillard and Henderson with the right complementary pieces.

One area that the Trail Blazers should address is their frontcourt. While they have a solid foundation with Jusuf Nurkic and Robert Covington, adding another reliable big man would provide them with a more balanced roster. A versatile forward or center who can contribute on both ends of the court would bolster their chances of success.

Additionally, the Trail Blazers must prioritize improving their bench depth. The NBA has become increasingly competitive, and having a strong second unit is crucial for sustained success. Acquiring capable reserves who can provide scoring, defense, and energy off the bench will be a priority for the front office.

In terms of Damian Lillard's future, the selection of Scoot Henderson demonstrates the Trail Blazers' commitment to building a team that can contend for a championship. Lillard has been loyal to the organization throughout his career, but he has also expressed his desire to compete for a title. The onus is now on the Trail Blazers to demonstrate their dedication to winning by making the necessary moves to strengthen the roster.

If the Trail Blazers can successfully build a competitive team around Lillard, it will greatly enhance their chances of retaining their superstar point guard. However, if the organization fails to make significant strides towards championship contention, Lillard's patience may wear thin, and he could explore other options.

In conclusion, the selection of Scoot Henderson in the 2023 NBA Draft is a promising step forward for the Portland Trail Blazers. It signifies their commitment to providing Damian Lillard with a talented supporting cast and building a team capable of contending for a championship. However, the work is far from over, as the Trail Blazers must continue to make shrewd moves in free agency and player development to maximize their potential. The clock is ticking for the organization to convince Lillard that they are serious about achieving their shared goal of bringing a championship to Portland

Natureshort storyAdvocacy

About the Creator

Will Eckhart

I am a Cinematographer and love to write about the unknown

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