2023 NBA Mock Draft: Mavericks go defense, Pistons surprise at 5

3. Portland Trail Blazers take Scoot Henderson

The Blazers are rumored to be shopping this pick after moving up in the lottery. Could Portland get some win-now help to put around Damian Lillard? Will it be enough to get the Trail Blazers back into contention?

Teams will certainly be calling if Scoot is still on the board. The 6’2 guard is a bit undersized, but he is a phenomenal athlete that can make plays on both ends of the floor. There will be highlight reel dunks to go with his ability to be a primary ball-handler and playmaker.

Henderson’s jump shot and his shot selection are his biggest question marks. He attempted too many long twos for the G League Ignite, and he hit just 27.5 percent from 3-point range. Similar things were said about De’Aaron Fox coming into the 2017 NBA Draft, and he just made his first All-Star appearance and led his team to the third seed in the Western Conference.

Scoot Henderson could certainly be an All-Star and All-NBA player if he reaches his potential. He believes he should be the number one pick on June 22. The 6’2 guard is a special talent, and he will be ready to make an impact from day one in the NBA. Where will he end up? It depends on what Charlotte and Portland decide to do.