Chicago – Scoot Henderson did not cross San Antonio off his list of future homes.
Despite the Spurs winning the draft lottery on Tuesday night and assuming they would take 7-foot-4 Victor Wimpanyama with the first pick, the 6-foot-2 point guard said he still had a case to be the top pick. He described the experience of watching the lottery play out in real time as “surreal” as he learned his potential landing sites on the fly like no one else.
“I think I have the potential to go to number one,” Henderson told the media on Wednesday. “I believe in myself as any competitor should.”
Henderson hasn’t met any teams in the draft and said he’ll likely have some workouts and meetings in the coming weeks, but he’s open to a meeting with the Spurs to make his case as a top prospect.
“My character,” said Henderson of his reasoning, “it speaks for itself.”
In regards to his more real homes—Charlotte and possibly Portland—Henderson was excited to talk about his potential destinations. The Georgia native has some familiarity with LaMelo Ball and played against burgeoning center Mark Williams at G League Showcase earlier this year. Henderson talked about creative playmaking with the ball, and the backcourt with the ball would give the Hornets two young guards who can both score and be creative. Henderson also has a relationship with Charlotte native in Warriors guard Stephen Curry, who plans to ask for food spots and live tips if he ever ends up in Queen City. Henderson has watched as Curry has had a legendary career while staying out of the news and hoping to pursue his modeling.
“I want to build an empire for my family,” said Henderson.
If Henderson falls to the bottom three, his fate becomes even more interesting. Portland star Damian Lillard said he’s not interested in watching the organization draft another young player who needs development, which could make Henderson a trading piece if he goes down that low. Similar to his desire to court the Spurs, Henderson said he believes there is a case for him to play alongside Lillard rather than be part of a trade to land an aged All-Star, a more established player to help the feud.
“I think I’ll work there, too,” said Henderson. “I don’t have to be in control of the ball. When my time comes, I will kill.”
Henderson chose to skip college and sign with the G League Ignite, offering new unconventional ways to get more attention from the pros than in previous years. Between Henderson and the Thompson twins, three of the top five picks in the draft are expected to come from Ignite and Overtime Elite, which could become a trend for the coming years.
“I hope it is,” said Henderson. “I hope they see the work and the path we’ve chosen. We hope the kids see that and see that you don’t have to go the traditional way.”
Athletic Instant Analysis:
Could Henderson actually go to No. 1?
Henderson’s position is impressive given he has been linked with the Frenchman throughout the recruitment process, but it makes perfect sense for Wimpanyama to go first to shock Tottenham the world and take Henderson on. But it would be interesting if the Spurs accepted his offer and perhaps add a little intrigue to what everyone has expected to be a predictable draft pick (at least a top-two finish) for years now.
Go ahead and enjoy the process
Henderson already speaks highly of the Hornets and the idea of playing ball and isn’t opposed to playing Lillard, though the Blazers could potentially trade the #3 pick for a more immediate assist. For a player who’s been in Wembanyama’s shadow throughout the draft process, he still enjoys himself and doesn’t let the comparisons be a story.
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(Photo: Adam Hagee/NBAE via Getty Images)