Title: Injuries Plague Impressive Summer League Debuts for Scoot Henderson and Amen Thompson
LAS VEGAS — The summer league debut for Portland Trail Blazers’ guard Scoot Henderson and Houston Rockets’ guard Amen Thompson was marred by injuries as their respective teams clashed in a thrilling match that ended with a 100-99 victory for Houston.
Henderson, the third overall pick by Portland, exited the game in the third quarter due to a right shoulder injury and did not return to the court. Thompson also suffered an injury, an apparent left ankle sprain, after an awkward fall during an attempted block in the fourth quarter. Like Henderson, Thompson was unable to continue playing.
Thompson expressed his discomfort, stating, “It’s pretty sore,” and indicated that Houston’s training staff would determine his availability for future summer league games. He revealed his ankle twisted when he landed on an opponent’s foot while blocking a shot.
Henderson, on the other hand, did not address reporters after the game, but he was seen walking through the media area without any visible signs of injury to his arm or shoulder.
Jonah Herscu, the Blazers’ summer league coach, offered no updates on Henderson’s injury, stating, “I haven’t talked to the trainers yet,” and emphasized the team’s cautious approach.
Before their untimely injuries, both Henderson and Thompson showcased their talent, justifying why they were chosen near the top of the lottery by Portland and Houston, respectively.
Despite their early departures, Henderson, 19, managed to contribute 15 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists, while Thompson recorded 16 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals, and 4 blocks in 28 minutes of play.
Henderson’s performance reflected his potential as he effortlessly penetrated the defense, either setting up teammates for three-pointers or driving to the basket for layups. He also displayed his ability to hit pull-up jumpers early in the game. Despite facing shooting difficulties later on, he remained active on both ends of the court, disrupting opponents’ plays defensively and maintaining aggressive play.
Thompson, standing at 6-foot-7, also demonstrated his skills, proving why he became the highest-ever draft pick from the Overtime Elite program. He showcased good decision-making, consistently making the right passes and displaying basketball instincts that impressed the crowd. He appeared comfortable in his role at both ends of the court.
Although the injuries shortened their time on the court, the excitement persisted throughout the match, featuring several first-round picks from recent drafts on both teams. Portland’s Shaedon Sharpe, likely to be Henderson’s backcourt partner this season, contributed 21 points and 8 rebounds. However, it was Houston’s Jabari Smith Jr., the third pick in last year’s draft, who stole the show with an impressive 33-point, 7-rebound performance, culminating in a game-winning three-pointer at the buzzer assisted by Tari Eason.
Rockets summer league coach Ben Sullivan marveled at the winning shot, saying, “I don’t know how Tari made that amazing kind of hook pass and led him. […] Jabari caught it, and I don’t think he brought it down, and just let it go. Fortunately, it went in.”
As Henderson and Thompson’s injuries raise concerns about their availability moving forward, fans and teams will be anxiously awaiting updates on their conditions. The summer league serves as a crucial platform for young talents to showcase their abilities and development as they prepare for the upcoming NBA season.