Northwest Roundup: Henderson Nears Return, Krejci Joins Blazers, Nuggets Focus on Tax, Murray Lands First All-Star Selection
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PORTLAND, Ore. — Trail Blazers head coach Tiago Splitter said third-year guard Scoot Henderson is “very, very” close to playing, indicating the No. 3 pick in the 2023 draft could debut soon after missing the entire season with a torn left hamstring.
Henderson, 22, owns career averages of 13.3 points and 5.2 assists in 27.5 minutes while shooting 34.0% from three. He trimmed his turnovers from 3.4 as a rookie to 2.7 last season. Portland sits ninth in the Western Conference despite Jrue Holiday appearing in only 21 of 49 games; Henderson’s return would bolster a thin point-guard rotation as the club evaluates the guard ahead of summer extension eligibility.
Splitter also confirmed he spoke with newly acquired swingman Vit Krejci. “He’s excited about coming here,” the coach said. “Great shooter… we’re thirsty for a shooter like him.” Krejci, hitting 40.5% from deep for his career and averaging a personal-best 9.0 points this year, joins a Blazers team ranked last in the NBA at 33.6% from three-point range.
Nuggets unlikely to move core pieces
In Denver, the Nuggets are not expected to trade veterans Jonas Valanciunas or Cameron Johnson before the deadline, according to the Denver Post. Second-year wing Peyton Watson is likewise considered off-limits even though his impending free agency could complicate retention.
Denver’s primary objectives are to duck the luxury tax and convert two-way forward Spencer Jones to a standard deal. Forward/center Zeke Nnaji, signed through 2028, is the player the front office most prefers to move, but the length of his contract has limited interest.
Murray earns overdue recognition
Jamal Murray was selected to the NBA All-Star Game for the first time on Sunday, ending what many around the league viewed as a surprising absence from the mid-season showcase. Assistant coach David Adelman cited Murray’s multiple 50-point playoff outings, a Finals triple-double and a championship ring while congratulating the guard. Thunder coach Mark Daigneault called the honor “remarkable” and “very deserving.”
Murray becomes Denver’s first All-Star other than Nikola Jokić since Carmelo Anthony.
Source: HoopsRumors
