The announcement of Damian Lillard returning to the Portland Trail Blazers reveals key insights. Firstly, Lillard prioritizes being back home with family and the franchise that nurtured his path to becoming a potential Hall of Famer. This suggests he may be less focused on a championship, which seems likely to escape him if this is his final destination.

Secondly, the Blazers are likely welcoming Lillard back not just for his skill on the court, but also for his mentorship value, as his play might not reach the stellar heights of past performances when he returns after a year.

This brings us to the pressing matter: Scoot Henderson is now under pressure. The Blazers have numerous young talents poised to learn from a seasoned player like Lillard, yet Henderson is meant to be the natural heir to Lillard’s role. This intention was the initial reason Lillard was traded—opening opportunities for Henderson, who has yet to demonstrate significant progress in his early NBA career.

If Henderson doesn’t elevate his game during his third year, Lillard could reclaim the starting position for the upcoming 2026-27 season, clouding Henderson’s future. Currently, the prospect sees him as a potential journeyman, risking a bench role if he fails consistently. This season presents an invaluable opportunity for Henderson to prove himself, capitalizing on the excitement that surrounded his drafting at No. 3 overall, trailing Victor Wembanyama and Brandon Miller in 2023.

“Scoot Henderson is gonna be a star — this is happening. Don’t say Russillo and I didn’t try to warn you.”
— Bill Simmons, July 10, 2023 Tweet

The Blazers hope that Henderson, shaped by Lillard and Jrue Holiday’s guidance, can finally begin meeting the expectations placed upon him. The stakes are high; the team has cleared hinderances, delegating the offense into Henderson’s hands. The coming season could shape his future profoundly.