Injury Can’t Dim Scoot Henderson’s Fourth Rising Stars Selection

DENVER (AP) — Portland Trail Blazers guard Scoot Henderson has been selected for the NBA Rising Stars Challenge for the fourth consecutive time, despite being sidelined by a right ankle sprain. The game will take place during NBA All-Star Weekend on Friday at the Chase Center in San Francisco.

Henderson, who has earned selections with both the Trail Blazers and previously with the G League Ignite, is the first player to achieve four appearances in the Rising Stars event, making this a significant milestone in his early career.

“I was looking forward to participating in my fourth Rising Stars game, but I’ll still be there to root on Team M,” Henderson said, referring to his teammates Toumani Camara and Bryce McGowens. “Four times? Yeah, it’s a blessing. Every single time I went, I prayed. So, it’s a blessing, man.”

The 2025 Rising Stars Challenge features 10 first-year and 11 second-year players split into three seven-player teams and one G League squad. The winning team earns the opportunity to compete against NBA All-Stars in a mini-tournament on Sunday.

Henderson’s spot on Team M has been filled by Denver Nuggets guard Julian Strawther, who has been impressive this season, averaging 9.6 points in 54 games.

“Scoot has been playing with a little fire. He has been playing amazing,” said Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups, who expressed no surprise at Henderson’s selection. Henderson sprained his ankle in a Monday game against the Nuggets, and will miss their upcoming rematch on Wednesday.

“That’s a fun thing to just see the Rising Stars going against the All-Stars of the league,” Henderson stated on January 28. He has significantly improved this season, averaging 12.4 points per game with a 43.4% shooting percentage after a challenging rookie year where he averaged 14 points and shot 38.5% from the field.

Henderson, the third overall pick in the 2023 NBA draft, noted that he doesn’t feel pressure playing behind teammate Damian Lillard, who was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks. “It’s just a consistency of knowing where I’m going to get my shots every single game,” he explained.

Billups sees potential greatness in Henderson, recalling his own tumultuous rookie season before finding success in the league. “The more you play, the more you get familiar with it,” Billups shared. “When he’s aggressive and playing with a lot of force, he’s usually successful.”

Strawther, stepping in for Henderson, has proven himself as a key player for the Nuggets this season, particularly in his role as a starter. “Hopefully he can take some confidence from being around some of the best young players in the NBA,” Nuggets coach Michael Malone added.

The Rising Stars Challenge continues to build excitement surrounding All-Star Weekend, and Henderson’s legacy as one of its notable participants will only grow, even as he recovers from injury.