The Portland Trail Blazers’ offseason could be interesting, especially with Chris Paul available. CP3’s leadership could be key for the Blazers’ future, especially if he can serve as Scoot Henderson’s mentor.
Ever since the Portland Trail Blazers traded Damian Lillard, the team has lacked a true leader. They have some veterans, but they are not the most authoritative leaders in the locker room. This is a Blazers team with plenty of young players, so a true leader could help the team compete. Recent reports say the Trail Blazers could sign Paul in free agency.
This could be a low-risk, high-reward move for the Blazers’ offseason. He might be the veteran they need to guide the young players to become a title-contending team. Being Henderson’s mentor would also be vital because CP3’s leadership could unlock his potential.
How Signing Chris Paul Can Help the Blazers this Offseason
The Portland Trail Blazers could show interest in Chris Paul to mentor Scoot Henderson, per @AmicoHoops
“The Blazers are among the teams that could have an interest in Chris Paul should he not return to the Spurs, a source told Hoops Wire. Portland GM Joe Cronin has suggested… pic.twitter.com/xsl2DqU1Zc
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) May 27, 2025
Paul Has a Good History With Being a Mentor
Throughout his successful NBA career, Paul has worked well with promising players. In the 2024-25 season, he was crucial to helping Stephon Castle win Rookie of the Year. While they don’t play the same position, Paul’s leadership also benefited Victor Wembanyama. However, the biggest byproduct of CP3’s leadership is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. They played together in the 2019-20 season, which saw a young Thunder team compete in the Playoffs. SGA would take over as the team’s franchise player, and he has grown into the MVP we see today.
With that kind of track record, the Blazers should try signing him to be Henderson’s mentor. Since Scoot has shown potential to be a lead guard, CP3 could be the key to him realizing that promise.
In the two years of his NBA career, Henderson proved he could contribute to the Blazers’ future, especially with playmaking. At the same time, he is also growing as a scorer, becoming an above-average three-point shooter. He is still rough on the surface, but there is a promising player within Henderson. The young guard needs more time and opportunities, but having a successful mentor could turn him into a better player.
Scoot already has the makings of a great guard with superb passing vision and natural leadership skills. Of course, he is only 21, so there is plenty of time for growth. The Blazers’ general manager, Joe Cronin, could accelerate that by signing Paul.
The Point Guard Conundrum in Portland Is an Obstacle
If the Blazers want Paul to join the team, they would have to sort out their point guard rotation. Henderson looks to be a clear-cut long-term player for the Trail Blazers. However, the team still has Anfernee Simons, the Blazers’ longest-tenured player, who plays the same position. The indecisiveness between the two options has led to an unclear future for Portland.
Simons is the likely player to be part of a trade, with a move to Orlando as an option. Whether that is the trade package that goes through or not, the Blazers should make a decision soon.
Anfernee Simons will be a Orlando Magic sooner than y’all think… https://t.co/EjPbiqznak pic.twitter.com/2bDAx9VawK
— ᴬᴶ (@OrlandoTruther) May 4, 2025
They are entering Henderson’s third season, and there should be returns for their investment with the 2023 Draft’s third pick. Opening up the pathway for Scoot is great, but helping him grow and mature under a decorated mentor is better.
The Blazers’ interest in Paul is a promising sign because that means they are all-in on Henderson. If it happens, that means they want to maximize Henderson’s potential, which is still sky-high. He did not meet expectations over the past two seasons, but there is a good player there. Portland must do its best at maximizing him, and giving him a reliable mentor can be what unlocks everything.
Featured image: © Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images
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