Hoops Habit
Fansided

Way too early predictions for each NBA Award for the 2023–24 season

By Rob Greene

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 20: Mikal Bridges #1 of the Brooklyn Nets reacts after making a three-point basket against the Philadelphia 76ers during the first half of Game Three of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs at Barclays Center on April 20, 2023 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. 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 Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 20: Mikal Bridges #1 of the Brooklyn Nets reacts after making a three-point basket against the Philadelphia 76ers during the first half of Game Three of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs at Barclays Center on April 20, 2023 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. 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 Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /
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NBA Awards.
Scoot Henderson (Photo by Mike Lawrie/Getty Images) /

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

Damian Lillard has finally stated his trade request to the Trail Blazers. Not that there was not already a slight lead up to Lillard’s decision, but that makes for a youth movement. Portland will have more than enough leeway for a number of years to help Scoot Henderson blossom. In this month’s NBA 2K24 Summer League, Henderson gave the glimpses that everyone needed to see.

With Lillard gone, Henderson will instantly have the keys to the organization. He has a huge portion of potential to build around with the high-flying Shaedon Sharpe and the heavily paid Jerami Grant. He can also provide a lot of scoring and explosiveness from the perimeter, developing with Anfernee Simons as well.

This amount of playmaking and athleticism can open up a ton of chemistry for their core to build upon. Portland also has more length on the defensive end than it has in quite some time.

Henderson’s Westbrook-like play can give the Blazers and their fans a switch between different types of shows. From perimeter rain to thunder bringing down the house Henderson will be a box-office prodigy standing out in a draft class where it definitely will not be easy with otherworldly talent surrounding him.