Even in a nail-biting game that the Rockets won 100-99 on a Jabari Smith Jr. buzzer-beating three, all eyes were on the two rookies who were selected back-to-back in the June NBA draft. Scoot Henderson had all the traits of an All-Star-calibre combo guard during his 21 minutes of play, scoring 15 points on 5-of-13 shooting from the field while throwing out six assists and grabbing five rebounds.
Scoot Henderson exited tonight’s Summer League game (right shoulder injury) and will not return. pic.twitter.com/ka2GO5MPmk
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) July 8, 2023
Henderson (No. 3 overall) and Thompson (No. 4) are the top two guard prospects in the class, and their impressive duel at the Thomas and Mack Centre in Sin City thrilled the audience. Portland supporters undoubtedly hope that it’s preventative, especially given that the Trail Blazers could part ways with star point guard Damian Lillard, who has asked to be traded and is expected to become the team’s franchise player.
After falling painfully while attempting to block a shot under the basket in the fourth quarter, Amen Thompson was forced to leave the game with a left ankle injury. He also left without returning. Scoot will have an MRI. League sources told TNT’s Chris Haynes that they are optimistic that it is not a dislocation.
How did Scoot Henderson suffer his shoulder injury?
Portland’s Henderson left the game in the third quarter due to a right shoulder injury and did not come back. He injured his shoulder while trying to drive in for a layup against the Houston Rockets. While from the sight of it the injury did not seem to be a very serious one, many details about the same haven’t been given out.
Top prospects frequently take part in one or two Summer League games, thus the Trail Blazers may want to take extra care to prevent the player’s ailment from getting worse. In any case, it’s regrettable that the 19-year-old got hurt during his Portland debut.
Henderson strolled past the media area after the game without anything being clearly visible on his arm or shoulder, but he avoided speaking to reporters. A serious injury in the opening Summer League game would not be the way for the rookie guard to start his stint in Portland, where Henderson is the obvious choice to guide them for the team’s near future.