Blazers' Simons Sidelined with Knee Issue, Scoot Steps In

The Portland Trail Blazers were dealt a blow Thursday night as rising star guard Anfernee Simons was ruled out for their home game against the New York Knicks due to left knee tendinitis. However, the setback opened the door for rookie sensation Scoot Henderson to make his first NBA start.

Simons, 23, has been a revelation for the Blazers this season, blossoming into one of the league’s most explosive scorers. He’s averaging 24.1 points, 5.4 assists and 1.3 steals per game while shooting a blistering 46.7% from three-point range. His absence left a huge void in Portland’s backcourt offense.

But Henderson’s promotion provided an exciting opportunity for the prized rookie to showcase his immense talent from the opening tip. The 19-year-old lottery pick out of the G League Ignite has displayed flashes of brilliance in limited minutes so far, averaging 7.4 points and 2.6 assists in just 16.8 minutes per contest.

“Scoot is more than ready for this,” said Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups. “He’s a fearless kid with a ton of ability. With Anfernee down, we have total confidence in Scoot to step up and make an impact.”

Simons had been battling left knee soreness for several weeks according to Billups but played through it, putting up 36 points in 43 grueling minutes during Portland’s dramatic 106-102 win over Atlanta on Wednesday. The flare-up was simply too much to play through this time.

“Anfernee gave us everything he had last night,” Billups said. “But that knee has been barking at him for a while now. With a Simons at less than 100 percent, it doesn’t make sense to risk further injury by putting him out there.”

Simons is expected to travel with the team for its upcoming two-game road trip starting Saturday at New Orleans. His status will be re-evaluated before each game.

As for Henderson, it’s an opportunity he’s been patiently waiting for since the Blazers traded up to grab him with the third overall pick in last summer’s draft. The athletically gifted 6'2" guard was the consensus top prospect after an impressive G League season where he averaged 16.5 points, 6.8 rebounds and 5.3 assists per game.

“I’m always ready, always staying prepared for whatever role I’m called on,” Henderson said. “This is a big chance for me and I’m going to make the most of it.”

Henderson will have his work cut out against a stingy Knicks defense that ranks fifth in the NBA in points allowed per game at 109.8. Look for him to play with boundless energy and confidence while looking to attack the rim and make plays in transition.

With Portland fighting to hang on to the sixth seed in the Western Conference playoff race, this brief glimpse at their backcourt of the future could prove pivotal down the stretch. If Henderson shines, it may make Simons’ return to health that much easier to manage.