Scoot Henderson’s return is still not imminent

In terms of teams with busy infirmary, the Blazers occupy a special place. Among the notable absences from Portland’s early season, Scott Henderson they still have to wait before returning.

The victim of a torn hamstring before the restart, assures the leader of the Blazers The Athletic having done ” much progress But his return takes place in weeks, “week by week,” not “day by day.”

« I can move into certain positions, but I can’t jump, I can’t make explosive movements. I shoot free throws, I dribble a little, but I don’t move much », describes the 21-year-old player without much assurance. This week, he must meet with the Blazers’ director of medical personnel, who will present him with an action plan.

A sign that the return to competition is still far away. And that, while the Blazers originally – at the end of September – mentioned leave between four and eight weeks. For now, the 2023 draft pick’s activities are therefore limited to shooting and dribbling on the spot, in addition to upper-body strength training.

At the same time, Scoot Henderson follows the team and remains on the bench in civilian clothes with his teammates. ” I know some players with these injuries have to stay away from the team, but I was able to be with them, be in the video room with them. So there were a lot of video studios », says the playmaker.

His status is especially worrisome for a Blazers team already decimated by injuries, especially on the backcourt. Starter Jrue Holiday missed his second straight game Tuesday with right calf soreness, and running backs Blake Wesley (broken right foot) and Mathis Tiboul (left thumb surgery) are out indefinitely. Not to mention Damian Lillard…

Injuries that punish

The result: In the absence of Jrue Holiday the last two games, Tiago Splitter has entrusted much of the ball handling to Shaddon Sharpe and Danny Avdia. So did rookie Caleb Love, the author of 17 points a night spent against the Sun.

« it’s hard. But we always have a match to play, always a job to do. And you have to make sure you go out there and do your best. They were more aggressive, more active. It felt like they wanted more, and that’s something we can’t let happen », laments Donovan Clingan after this game against the Suns.

In addition to the immediate need for his return, Scoot Henderson knows he is in for a crucial season. The Blazers exercised his option in October, keeping him through the 2026/27 season. But ideally, the Chiefs would like to see him play more before deciding next October whether to offer him a contract extension.

The person concerned ensures that they remain optimistic and confident in the idea that they will be able to return to the field quickly, once they are cleared to do so. And that, without imagining a long period of adaptation before playing again. “ I feel like everything is going to be okay. I’ve always felt this way after an injury. Of course I’ll be tired, because you can’t compare basketball activity to anything else, so in a few games I’ll feel it », concludes the leader.

How to read statistics? MJ = matches played; Min = Minute; Shots = Shots Successful / Shots Attempted; 3 points = 3 points / attempt 3 points; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive jump; Tot = Total number of jumps; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal mistakes; Int = intercepts; Bp = lost balls; Ct: Against; Points = Points.