Trail Blazers rookie Scoot Henderson was requested about the trade request from superstar teammate Damian Lillard that took the NBA planet by storm.
Lillard’s request to be traded from Portland turned public on Saturday, with several groups, namely the Heat and Nets, rising as prospective landing spots for the All-Star point guard.
Soon after a workout session on Saturday, media users spoke to Henderson about Lillard’s trade ask for.
“I would adore to enjoy with him. We have a great partnership,” Henderson explained of Lillard.
But when requested about potentially becoming the next experience of the franchise in Portland, Henderson stated, “I’m completely ready to embrace that. … I come to feel like [G-League] Ignite has taught me a good deal. … I sense like as prolonged as I’m mentally strong, and I am, and mentally relaxed with every little thing that is heading on in my existence, I’m heading to embrace it.”
Reporter: “How are you prepared to be in a position to deal with [being the face of the franchise]?
Scoot Henderson: “I’m completely ready to embrace that.”
Scoot Henderson is completely ready to lead if Damian Lillard is traded 😤
(by way of @AaronJFentress)pic.twitter.com/lgWfXHzyKu
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) July 1, 2023
Portland chosen Henderson with the No. 3 decide on in the 2023 NBA draft right after Victor Wembanyama was taken at No. 1 by the Spurs and Brandon Miller was picked No. 2 by the Hornets.
The Trail Blazers’ offloading of Lillard could consequence in Henderson getting a drastically greater job, notably on offense, in the course of his rookie period.
He’d likely line up along with a youthful nucleus consisting of Anfernee Simons and Shaedon Sharpe, as well as Jerami Grant who signed a 5-yr, $160 million extension with the crew in absolutely free agency.
Whether or not Lillard is suiting up alongside him in Portland, Henderson indicated he’s targeted on his very own sport and creating an impact as a rookie.