Scoot Henderson is not talked about enough.
Henderson has averaged 21.2 points, 4.3 rebounds, and six assists through 15 games for the G-League Ignite.
In comparison, Jalen Green, a former player of the G-League Ignite, averaged 17.9 points, 4.1 rebounds and 2.8 assists. The Houston Rockets selected Green second overall in the 2021 NBA draft.
What separates Henderson from the rest of the pack is his explosiveness and decision-making when handling the ball. Henderson’s decision-making is next to none in this draft class.
Considering Henderson will be 19 when he reaches the NBA, already having this trait part of his game is impressive. Additionally, it will leave room for other attributes to develop early.
It’s been clear since day one that French center Victor Wembanyama is at the top of every NBA general managers draft board. The big man has averaged 21.9 points, 9.6 rebounds and two assists this year for the Metropolitans 92.
However, Scoot Henderson has the potential to make just as big of an impact as Wembanyama, if not more. Additionally, in a world where Wembanyama does not exist, Henderson is the clear-cut first selection and would likely get the same media attention as Wembanyama.
Currently, the Houston Rockets are the worst team in the league. For argument’s sake, say they end up with the first overall pick.
The obvious choice, many believe, would be selecting Victor Wembanyama.
But with how the Rockets built their team, Scoot Henderson would be a better fit.
The Rocket’s two leading players they are assembling around are Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun. Who play the shooting guard position and the center position respectively.
Sengun has surprised many in the NBA sphere this season, averaging 15.5 points, 8.9 rebounds and 3.6 assists so far this season.
It just wouldn’t make sense to draft a player like Wembanyama on this team and stunt the development and progression Sengun has made this season. Both players play the center position and likely would not work out at the power-forward spot. On top of that, neither would be happy coming off the bench.
A young trio of Henderson, Green and Sengun would progress the team's rebuild as opposed to the trio featuring Wembanyama, which would slow the rebuild down.
The idea of drafting for fit is not something new in the NBA; in fact, it was done last year.
The Sacramento Kings held the 4th overall pick in last year's draft. Many mock drafts and NBA experts thought the Kings would select guard Jaden Ivey with their pick.
At the time of the draft, the Kings had two guards who were clear-cut starters for the season. The guards being De’Aaron Fox and Davion Mitchell.
Instead of drafting by talent with this pick, the Kings drafted forward Keegan Murray. A player who filled the needs of the Kings better than Ivey.
Overall, it’s not crazy to consider Scoot Henderson going first in the upcoming NBA draft. Especially if a team with an established center lands the top pick.
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