After suffering a shoulder injury in his Summer League debut, Trail Blazers rookie Scoot Henderson will sit out Sunday’s game, tweets Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report and TNT. Although he will miss a marquee matchup with Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs, Henderson is listed as day-to-day and still may return before the end of Summer League.
The dynamic guard told Aaron Fentress of The Oregonian that he strained his shoulder on a dunk attempt in Friday’s game against the Rockets. Overall, he was satisfied with his first performance against NBA players, which included 15 points, six assists and five rebounds in 21 minutes.
“I think I played pretty smooth,” Henderson said. “I know there are areas I definitely need to improve on. Just little things in my game where I think I can really perfect and master.”
There’s more from the Northwest Division:
- The Thunder got to see their two draft picks in action for the first time on Saturday, writes Joe Mussatto of The Oklahoman. Cason Wallace wasn’t able to play in the Salt Lake City Summer League because his draft-night trade from the Mavericks hadn’t been processed, and Keyontae Johnson was sidelined with a strained hamstring. Both played well in a win over Dallas, and Wallace particularly impressed his teammates with a 20-point outing. “Great defender, great all-around player,” Chet Holmgren said. “I think he’s gonna fit in well with the other guys we have on this team. Great character, great kid, too. I’m glad we drafted him. It’s a good spot for him.”
- Jazz guard Keyonte George is one of the early stars in Las Vegas with 33 points and 10 assists in his debut, per Sarah Todd of The Deseret News. The rookie out of Baylor has a lock screen on his phone with a graphic listing the concerns that scouts had about him as an NBA prospect. “I wake up every morning with this on my phone,” he said. “Each time I’m going into a game or I’m going into workout, that’s my main focus, each and every day, each and every game. Let’s take care of all this — take good shots, even if they’re not falling, just make sure we take great shots, play with the basketball … and that’s what I feel like I did tonight.”
- The Jazz have withdrawn their qualifying offer to Johnny Juzang, making him an unrestricted free agent, according to RealGM’s transactions log.
Keyonte is looking like a great pick for the Jazz. I love his attitude. He keeps improving every game. This first Vegas game showed his excellent decision making. He’s still getting smarter and making adjustments every game, too. This then breeds more confidence.
Watch his interview at the end of the game to see what I mean. He said he wants to earn tournament MVP. That’s excellent! The Jazz need a true leader on this team.
I think his intensity mixed with joy for basketball is contagious. Him and Sexton would make for a wonderful backcourt, or at least great for team morale.
It’s also interesting timing that the Jazz withdrew their QO for Juzang. He had a great game. Looked solid out there.
Perhaps Keyonte’s performance had something to do with that? Otherwise, maybe they want to restructure his contract? I doubt it. It’s more likely that they needed a roster spot for Paul Reed’s signing. Would make sense and that the Jazz already know the Sixers won’t match it. That or a precursor to another signing?
Johnny has been up and down. No sense in keeping Johnny. Not even about needing another spot. The question should be is why didn’t Johnny take the offer?
Oops
Dunno. Could have an offer from another team. Doubt he’ll get much playing time with the Jazz. They already have enough depth.
That or maybe the Jazz wanted to send him off after that solid game to give him a better chance to get one? This is just his second year. Some guys take longer.