Scoot Henderson has not played a single minute in the 2025-26 NBA season. The Portland Trail Blazers are being cautious with Henderson’s return due to the nature of the injury. Tiago Splitter’s system fits him best amongst the Blazers’ guards, so people are excited to get him back.

Why The Blazers Are Cautious With Scoot Henderson’s Return

Before the season started, Scoot Henderson and Jrue Holiday were competing for the starting point guard spot. Unfortunately,  shortly before training camp, Henderson tore his left hamstring. Considering it is a serious lower-body injury, the Portland Trail Blazers have been careful with the third-year guard.

The initial timeline was for him to return to basketball activities in four to eight weeks. That was inaccurate because Henderson had still not played an NBA game by mid-January. With the latest update, Henderson looks ready to return soon, but the Blazers are not risking too much.

The Blazers Want to Make Sure Henderson’s Return is Optimal

The Blazers have many injuries this season. Their point guard situation has been rough for the majority of the campaign. Both Holiday and Henderson suffered long-term injuries that took them out for multiple months. Holiday has returned, but Portland is being more cautious with Henderson.

“He’s progressing. Everybody’s a little frustrated, but it’s a tough injury where people tend to have a second injury. So we’ve got to be careful with him. He’s a big part of our franchise, so we’ve got to protect him. He’s feeling better day by day,” Splitter said on Tuesday about Scoot.

Considering the Blazers needed stability, losing all the point guards was rough. Thankfully for Portland, Deni Avdija stepped up as the lead ball-handler. However, Splitter’s system would benefit more if it had someone like Henderson leading the offense.

Since it is a hamstring tear, the Blazers want to ensure that there won’t be complications. Henderson is already sprinting in practice, which could mean he will return soon.

The Blazers’ Guards Need More Depth

In two NBA seasons, Henderson has averaged over five assists per game. That could go up this season because he has more reliable offensive weapons alongside him. Unfortunately, the Blazers have not had his superb playmaking skills in the first half of the season.

In the games he has played, Holiday has done a wonderful job setting up his teammates. However, the NBA has grown accustomed to Avdija being the primary ball-handler. The Blazers do not have the usual guard depth because they have been dealing with injuries.

Look at the impact of having Jrue Holiday and Toumani Camara on defense together. Jokic points at Braun to screen to get Sharpe in action. Blazers switch but Jrue doubles right away. Recovers to the drive and Camara is right there to block the shot. pic.twitter.com/G8IoiWiicS

— Steve Jones (@stevejones20) November 1, 2025

Two-way player Caleb Love has proven he deserves to be in the NBA with his performances. Blake Wesley impressed to start the year, but his spot is in jeopardy due to his injury and Love’s ascent.

With Henderson’s impending return, the Blazers’ guards will finally have multiple playmakers. Avdija does not need to carry the burden, while Shaedon Sharpe can also focus on getting his shots.

Coach Splitter will welcome Henderson back with open arms. The young guard is only 21, so he has a bright future. He has a natural dynamic with center Donovan Clingan, especially in the pick-and-roll. It will take time to get him up to full speed, but the potential is there.

Splitter’s System is More Cohesive with Henderson

Splitter has not yet coached a complete roster since taking over. Henderson is the de facto long-term point guard because Holiday and Damian Lillard are older. Since everyone knows Lillard will not play this season, people were excited about Henderson.

He was promising in the second half of the 2024-25 season. The three-point shot was falling, which meant the rest of his game flowed much better. Unfortunately, Blazers fans have not seen him since the previous season ended.

Henderson is about to hit the 300-day mark since he last played for the Blazers. People want to see him back on the court, but there is some hesitance. Since he is coming off a torn hamstring, the Blazers want him to be as ready as he can be.

Moving forward, Henderson’s return will mark a big day for the Trail Blazers. They are competing for a postseason spot right now, and Scoot’s comeback could further fuel their charge.

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