Blazers draft Scoot Henderson 3rd overall -- does he fit with Damian Lillard?

Despite weeks of whispers, the Portland Trail Blazers elected to keep the #3 pick in Thursday's NBA Draft, using it to select G League Ignite point guard Scoot Henderson. Before the draft, many wondered if Portland would use the pick as leverage to acquire a star running mate for Damian Lillard -- but for the moment, it looks like the Blazers are planning to move forward with the explosive young guard.

Now, Lillard's future is front and center, as fans will be wondering if he wants to play with Henderson...or seek a new opportunity on a team closer to contention.

Portland's busy backcourt

With Henderson now in the fold, the Blazers can boast a guard rotation that includes superstar Lillard, 2022 top-10 pick Shaedon Sharpe, and a top-three pick from the 2023 draft.

Sharpe showed promise in what was largely a bench role during the 2022/23 campaign, but will need game time to develop alongside Henderson -- who bypassed the NCAA in favor of the G League Ignite.

Even if Lillard decides the time is right to move on, Portland can feel confident in a young backcourt that features the efficient Sharpe and aggressive Scoot. But Lillard could prove to be an invaluable mentor to the two guards -- aged 20 and 19 respectively -- if he stays.

Henderson: A dynamic scorer and leader-in-waiting

After the Charlotte Hornets picked Brandon Miller with the #2 pick, it was clear Portland -- which never came close on a trade for a star -- would snap up Henderson, a Georgia native who turned pro before his 18th birthday.

Henderson is regarded as a raw outside shooter, but he gets to the rim regularly and is able to take over games as a downhill scorer. He could be a nice complement to Lillard's lethal three-pointer -- but no one is sure whether Dame wants to stick around and find out.