G League Ignite guard Scoot Henderson is done for the 2022-23 season. The projected second overall selection in the 2023 NBA draft has been shut down, according to G League officials.
Henderson has been with the G League Ignite for the last two years. One of the most exciting point guard prospects in recent memory, Henderson is a landslide favorite to be a top-two pick in this year's class. With the Ignite's regular season winding down and the lack of a postseason opportunity, it appears an injury risk isn't worth it for Henderson.
The 6-foot-2 guard is one of the most impressive athletes in this year's class. Henderson is a blur in the open court with the explosiveness to finish above the rim with force. In 25 games, Henderson averaged 17.6 points, 5.1 rebounds and 6.3 assists per game while shooting 44.2%.
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Scoot Henderson shut down by the G League Ignite
The decision by the G League Ignite and Scoot Henderson to shut it down shouldn't be much of a surprise. Henderson has shown more than he needed to throughout the season. His focus will now be on preparing for the June 22 NBA draft.
Henderson missed some time throughout the G League season while dealing with nagging injuries. After suffering a nasal fracture, Henderson was placed in the NBA's concussion protocol. It was an injury that resulted in him missing 11 games. After his return, Henderson led the Ignite to win four of their next five games.
The 2023 NBA draft is expected to be headlined by international phenom Victor Wembanyama. After that, Scoot Henderson is viewed by many as the heavy favorite to be the next player off the board. Alabama freshman wing Brandon Miller has started to heat up as a potential candidate to overtake Henderson.
For now, it looks as if NBA executives and scouts will be eager to get another look at Henderson when it comes to predraft workouts. At 6-2, with a reported 6-9 wingspan, Henderson has the tools to be a franchise-altering piece at the point guard position.
After showing flashes last year with the Ignite as a 17-year-old, Henderson took another sizeable step forward in his development this season and turned 19 last month.