Scoot Henderson, the third pick of this year’s draft, will return to action on Wednesday against Utah, Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups told reporters, including Aaron J. Fentress of The Oregonian (Twitter link).
Billups added that Henderson will come off the bench and be on a minutes restriction, though he declined to specify the number, tweets Sean Highkin of the Rose Garden Report. Henderson has been out of action since November 1 after spraining his right ankle.
Unfortunately, just as Henderson was about to return, center Deandre Ayton was a late scratch due to back soreness. Duop Reath, who’s on a two-way deal, will start in Ayton’s place, according to Highkin (Twitter link).
Here’s more from the Northwest:
- Speaking of Ayton, the Trail Blazers big man faced his former team on Tuesday in Phoenix. After the game, Suns guard Devin Booker said he had a “challenge” for the former No. 1 overall pick. “He played extra hard tonight,” Booker said, per Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic. “I saw that. My challenge for him is to play like that every night.” Ayton’s inconsistent effort level has been called into question throughout his career.
- Bulls guard/forward Alex Caruso isn’t surprised by Mark Daigneault‘s success with the Thunder, writes K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago. Daigneault coached Caruso while the two were with the Oklahoma City Blue — the Thunder’s NBA G League affiliate — back in 2016/17. “He coaches and talks exactly the same as he did with the Blue,” Caruso said. “He was always keeping us in really good perspective of how to play and how we were going to be successful. I really enjoyed playing for him.”
- Jazz head coach Will Hardy said the team needs to play harder, pass the ball and make fewer excuses after Tuesday’s blowout loss to the Lakers, according to Andy Larsen of The Salt Lake Tribune. “I mean, the only two things that I care about are: play hard and pass,” he said. “And we’re at a point now where if you’re not willing to do both of those things you cannot play for the Utah Jazz. I think we have had pockets where that’s been our identity. And we’ve had pockets where we have wavered in both departments. I think the biggest thing right now is we just need more of a consistent focus on those two things and those two things only.” Hardy’s comments are worth reading in full for Jazz fans. Utah is now 4-10.
Always have liked Ayton as a solid 2way big. But to Hear Booker having to say that to him. Is disappointing. Players know players best. Like when Kobe called out Shaq. This is Aytons opportunity to take a team to next level. I hope he’s up for it.
Ayton is averaging 12 points per game on an injury-ravaged rebuilding team. If a recent #1 overall pick can’t do better than that right now …. It ain’t never coming. Clearly obvious now why Phoenix couldn’t get him out of their locker room fast enough. Meanwhile, Portland decided it was a good idea to inject his “work ethic” into their rebuilding roster.
Portland needs to take a really hard look at the rebuilding disaster currently unfolding in Detroit.
Cade Cunningham is 6’6, but highly inefficient offensively, and woefully inconsistent with both his 2-ball and 3-ball shots. Talented with a lot of skills, but nothing dominant. Not suited for the ball in my hands, make all the decisions franchise player role.
Scoot Henderson is 4 inches shorter, and currently a significantly worse shooter with both the 2-ball and the 3-ball. Best asset is ball-distributor. Not bringing lockdown defense. 6’2 point guard is really tough to build a team around in todays NBA. Impossible to do without both a 2-ball and 3-ball.
You really need to understand what rebuilding means. These are 19 and 22 yr olds you are talking about. Team building by itself takes yrs. Throw into that process their age and growth. Then it’s a whole different equation. Relax and watch and enjoy the process.
By the way Ayton is not playing well. Yet he’s putting up 13 and 11. Those are good numbers for any center. He’s still got yrs to find himself. His numbers on Suns are solid. Even though they never went to him. I still have faith in him.
shooting/scoring should come natural for future all stars, not something you constantly work on like other skills that need developing.
Danny the plan ain’t working. It’s time to break out the stash and break up the Jazz.
You need a lot more than what a “lottery” pick can bring the next two years.
Ainge says he knows what he is doing. Wish it wasn’t so but he is tanking the jazz for their pick. Not a fan of tanking and breaking up teams over and over just to lose more.
Jazz could have made the playoffs and let the wolves miss out. No reason for jazz to help lakers and wolves for that last coveted pick. Greedy Ainge !!!!!