LAS VEGAS — The first quarter of Portland’s opener in the NBA Summer League was electric, a breathtaking display that had to have the Trail Blazers and their fans feeling good about their first-round draft pick.
Unfortunately, Scoot Henderson didn’t get to show much more of his ability after he suffered a right shoulder injury in the third quarter Friday night.
The No. 3 overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft scored 13 of his 15 points in the opening quarter of the Blazers’ 100-99 loss to the Rockets at the Thomas & Mack Center.
When his shot didn’t fall, he set up teammates, notching six assists in 21 minutes.
Henderson also had five rebounds and two turnovers, while frequently getting by his man to create open shots for teammates with dribble penetration.
“Scoot was great,” Portland summer league coach Jonah Herscu said. “When he’s in an attack mindset and getting in the paint, it’s really good.”
But that may be all Portland will see from Henderson during Summer League, depending on the severity of the injury.
He was seen leaving the arena without a sling.
Yahoo Sports reported he was scheduled to receive an MRI exam, with the team hoping it isn’t a separated shoulder.
Portland Trail Blazers’ Scoot Henderson drives up the court against the Houston Rockets during the second half an NBA summer league basketball game Friday, July 7, 2023, in Las Vegas. APTop draft picks rarely play more than a game or two in summer league.
“I haven’t talked to the trainers yet,” Herscu said. “They were just being cautious with it.”
Henderson is Portland’s future, now that Damian Lillard has requested a trade after 11 seasons with the Trail Blazers.
The Rockets had bad luck, as well, with their top draft pick, Amen Thompson.
The fourth-overall pick, Thompson left the game with a left ankle injury late in the fourth quarter after he attempted to block a shot under the basket.
Thompson performed well, with 16 points, four rebounds, five assists, three steals and four blocks in 28 minutes.
Scoot Henderson #00 of the Portland Trail Blazers dribbles the ball against Amen Thompson. Getty ImagesIt is uncertain if Thompson will play in the Rockets’ next game, on Sunday against the Pistons.
He said it would be up to the training staff.
Jabari Smith Jr., the No. 3 pick in the 2022 draft, won the game for Houston with a 3-pointer at the buzzer. Smith scored 33 points and added seven rebounds.
