Current Sixers guard Patrick Beverley sent a ripple through the NBA when he suggested Timberwolves star guard Anthony Edwards should leave Minnesota when he gets the chance. Stars of small-market teams are often subject to trade rumors and to that point, the Trail Blazers look poised to send franchise icon Damian Lillard to a “bigger market” after years of speculation.
The Trail Blazers have an heir apparent to the point guard spot in 2023 No. 3 overall pick Scoot Henderson, but Henderson recognizes that he has plenty of work to do to help offset a potential loss of Lillard, he said in an interview with The Oregonian’s Bill Oram. Part of that starts with being an active member of the Portland community, which Lillard was, according to Oram.
“I can definitely learn from that and seeing how he goes out his way to do certain things for the fans here,” Henderson said. “That’s something I’ve seen and heard about. That’s who I am as a person as well.”
Henderson said Lillard has been in communication with the former G League Ignite guard, and he’s been giving him pointers on living in Portland, per Oram. Whatever way the Lillard situation ends, Oram writes, Henderson is prepared to help get the Blazers back to the playoffs.
“I’m here to work,” Henderson said. “I’m here to come here and win some games. Never been focused on anyone else’s situation, ever.”
Oram believes Henderson has a real chance to connect with Portland fans in a similar way to Lillard, but knows sentiments like Beverley’s will persist through Henderson’s career if he’s a breakout star. However, Oram believes Henderson is well-situated to become the franchise’s next staple, and the guard appears to have similar plans.
“It’s probably the best situation I could possibly be in, ever,” Henderson said. “I’m here to stay.”
We have more Northwest Division notes:
- While Portland has a star on the way out, the Thunder‘s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is poised to stick around for a while. According to The Athletic’s Sam Amick, rival executives who hoped Gilgeous-Alexander would want out of Oklahoma City less than a year ago appear to have given up on those hopes. Amick writes that organizational excitement is at an all-time high, and that Gilgeous-Alexander has a chance to take the young Thunder to the playoffs — he’ll get a chance to play with last year’s No. 2 overall pick Chet Holmgren this season.
- Responding to Beverley’s comment about Edwards, The Athletic’s Jon Krawczynski pushed back on the notion that Edwards should leave the Timberwolves. Krawczynski echoes the point that small-market fans are used to hearing people say their players should or will depart for bigger markets, but to hear it from Beverley, who played for the team in 2021/22, is different. Krawczynski writes that Minnesota is a bigger market than given credit for and can push to keep Edwards around, though the team will need to continue to build around the star guard.
- In case you missed it, free agent Javonte Cooke is reportedly signing an Exhibit 10 deal with the Timberwolves.
Minneapolis/St Paul is one of the greatest (twin) cities in the nation. The coastal hate/disrespect is maddening.
How many championships do they have . Oh yeah that’s the Lakers
In the 34 years since they joined the league? Same number as the Knicks. Same number as Knicks, Nets, 76ers and Clippers combined, in fact, I believe?
I meant the Minneapolis Lakers who won a lot of the Lakers championships. The Knicks have two titles. The 76s have three. The Nets and clippers have 0.
Since 1989-90. Minnesota has as many championships as those teams.
If the wolves had been around in the 60’s and 70’s, I don’t doubt they would have won a couple championships, too.
But, yes, Minnesotans are aware of the Minnesota Lakers…
As someone who lives in the suburbs, MPLS/St Paul is garbage.
As someone who grew up in Minneapolis and now lives in the suburbs, Minneapolis/St.Paul is Amazing! No place I’d rather be!
Minny like many other smaller market, less successful teams often don’t make the necessary moves to build around their young stars. And when they do make the moves it’s often not put together well and doesn’t work out.
For example, Pelicans got Zion and have made some moves getting guys like CJ McCollum and Brandon Ingram around him. But, Whereas the 3 point shooting and floor spacing. Where’s the lead ball handler to create easy looks for him. And the rim protection?
In all honestly they should’ve tried for Myles Turner when he was somewhat available and before his breakout year. He’d have the floor spacing and rim protection that would’ve been a perfect match.
Same with Minny, they had LaVine Wiggins and KAT and they never got anything going. Traded LaVine for Butler and he was just to alpha for that young soft team. They ended up swapping Wiggins for Dlo to please KAT and Jimmy left. All moves which didn’t help. They’ve since drafted in ANT who looks great but now play 2 centres which just doesn’t make sense.
Minny needs to grow a pair of ….. and actually make some moves to build around ANT if they want to keep him and be somewhat successful.
There only other valuable asset is KAT so I think it’s time to move him on which is what I’ve been saying all offseason.
There was rumours Trae Young could’ve been available should’ve tried for that.
Trae ANT McDaniels and Gobert that would’ve been fire. But that’s now dried up.
Portland are in a similar situation. Didn’t really do much to build around Dame and now he wants out and your reluctant to make a move. Yet you have Scoot right there ready to take over and be the face of the franchise. What about KAT for Dame? KAT opens up the floor for Scoot’s slashing style and Dame and ANT would be an insane duo
As a last resort I’d try Charlotte.
KAT and Conley for Hayward, Rozier and Bridges.
Rozier as a secondary ball handler and playmaker. Bridges as the side kick, Haywards got a nice expiring deal and could provide some impact.
Hornets get a vet for the locker room in Conley also on and expiring deal and another star in KAT to do next to Ball. Miller and Washington play the forward spots.
All smaller market teams seem to do it tho. PG in Indy come to mind. Toronto won themselves a ring cause in the end they gave up DeRozan for Kawhi and he got it done. But again since then they have a bunch of talent and haven’t done enough to build out a winning team