Inside The Heat

NBA Fans Question Summer League Absence Of Scoot Henderson While Jaime Jaquez Plays

Anthony Pasciolla|
Apr 11, 2024; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Scoot Henderson (00) drives to the basket during the second half against the Golden State Warriors at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 11, 2024; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Scoot Henderson (00) drives to the basket during the second half against the Golden State Warriors at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports | Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports

The NBA Summer League is a time for young players to face off against similar-experienced competition.

This begs the question of why Portland Trail Blazers guard Scoot Henderson is absent while forwards such as Miami Heat’s Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Brandon Miller remain on the floor.

Injuries are always a concern, especially when it comes to the core of an organization’s roster. But Henderson’s lack of success in his rookie campaign points to a need for more reps. He averaged 14 points and 5.4 assists on a mediocre 38.5 percent shooting and 32.5 percent from three-point range. The Summer League is the perfect opportunity to attempt a high number of shots, as there are no real consequences for inefficiency.

Meanwhile, Jaquez had one of the most surprising rookie seasons of the 2023 class. The four-year UCLA Bruin averaged 11.9 points and 3.8 rebounds on 48.9 percent shooting. He regularly closed games for the Heat, largely due to his veteran-like presence at 23 years old. Yet he appeared in their Summer League opener against the Boston Celtics, where he recorded 29 points, 11 rebounds, and five assists.

The Blazers’ young core is much more extensive than the Heat’s, but it feels as though a future franchise cornerstone should have high priority.

Anthony Pasciolla works as a contributing writer to Inside the Heat. He can be reached at ampasciolla@gmail.com or follow him on X @AnthonyPasci.

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Anthony Pasciolla
ANTHONY PASCIOLLA

Anthony Pasciolla is a sports journalist who began covering the NBA in June 2023. A Philadelphia native, Anthony has experience covering the Philadelphia 76ers as a credentialed reporter. He has written for Miami Heat, Back In The Day Hoops, Kansas State Wildcats, and Illinois Fighting Illini on Sports Illustrated. His work also includes 76ers coverage for The Sporting News and previous stories for Athlon Sports and BasketballNews. When he’s not covering the NBA, you can find him spending time with friends and family or diving into the world of fantasy football. Follow him on X @AnthonyPasci or reach him via email at ampasciolla@gmail.com