5 players who will challenge Victor Wembanyama for Rookie of the Year

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 09: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs shoots a free throw against the Portland Trail Blazers in the second half of a 2023 NBA Summer League game at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 09, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /

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Scoot Henderson (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /

Rookie of the Year: G Scoot Henderson, Portland Trail Blazers

The big debate entering the draft was who was going to go to Charlotte at No. 2 – Miller or Scoot Henderson? The G League guard fell into the lap of the Portland Trail Blazers, where he could take on an immediate role.

If the Blazers grant the wishes if Lillard and trade him off to Miami or somewhere else, they’ll likely be seeking a boatload of draft picks or young players in return. That could clear the decks for Henderson to take on a primary role on both sides of the court.

Henderson was able to score in bunches in the G League and should be able to do so again with Lillard out of the way, even if Jerami Grant and Anfernee Simons stick around. His height is a concern, but his speed and midrange game are not and should enable the rookie to score plenty of buckets in his first season.

Henderson did suffer a shoulder injury in the Summer League, which forced him to miss a contest during the event. It doesn’t seem like a concern that should linger into the season, though.

In the lead-up to the draft, Henderson was insistent that he deserved to be the top pick of the draft. Since being selected, he has expressed his desire to win Rookie of the Year. Clearly, the flame burns bright for the individual’s competitiveness, which should give him a shot at the award.

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