2023 NBA Mock Draft: Mavericks land defensive stopper, Warriors add another shooter

3. Portland Trailblazers grab Scoot Henderson

Although it looks like Portland is considering trading the pick, I have them taking Scoot Henderson with the third overall pick. It looks like Anfernee Simons could also be out the door soon, so having another star guard to play with Damian Lillard is a smart move.

Lillard can play off the ball, which will allow Henderson to develop his lead ball handler skills at times and learn behind one of the best point guards in the league.

Henderson averaged 16.5 points, 6.5 assists, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.1 steals per game this season for the G-League Ignite. He is one of the most athletic players in this year's draft, and a core headlined by Henderson and Lillard is a good start. They also have the money to grab another piece in free agency.

Henderson is also a phenomenal playmaker. He gets downhill often and makes the smart play when the ball is in his hands.

Henderson and Lillard could end up being one of the top backcourts in the Western Conference one day, and Portland should be able to make a push for the Play-In Tournament next season. They aren't far off from taking the next step, and Henderson helps them do that.