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Scoot Henderson · Oozing with enough raw potential to justify the Portland Trail Blazers selecting him at 2023’s No. 3 spot, Scoot Henderson entered the Association facing a question similar to that of history’s other athletically-gifted guards: would the perimeter shooting ever catch up? Seizing a slightly-greener offensive light on January 14, 2025, Rose City’s still-improving sophomore guard offered a decisive answer during a breakout performance against the Brooklyn Nets. What began as a sizzling-hot start quickly became a confidence-builder, as Henderson — compiling 25 points on just a single miss by halftime — scorched the nets with particular emphasis from beyond the 3-point arc. Reminiscent to Portland’s former “0,” Henderson mixed catch-and-shoot and off-dribble shots into his night’s variation, dropping buckets as if they were “hot,” as 2004’s celebrated hip-hop song became the anthem of sorts during his every bucket. Victory wasn’t in the cards, but Henderson was a showstopper nonetheless, recording 39 points (on 13-of-18 shooting), alongside four rebounds, six assists, two steals, and eight 3-pointers, kickstarting a strong weeklong campaign thereafter. · State of Mint