Scoot Henderson Finds Peace on His Balcony: How a Simple Routine Transformed His NBA Career
PORTLAND, Ore. — Scoot Henderson, the Portland Trail Blazers’ point guard, has always been a player with a mind that races. His constant thinking and overanalyzing were holding him back, but a simple routine on his 22nd-story balcony has brought him peace and a new level of performance.
The Balcony Routine
Every night before games, Henderson visits his balcony in downtown Portland. He sits down, looks out at the city, and wears a device that stimulates his vagus nerve to help manage anxiety and stress.
“I sit down on my balcony and look out at the city,” Henderson said. “It calms me down.”
The device, which he received as a gift from his mom, delivers electrical impulses designed to alleviate anxiety, improve sleep, and reduce stress. Henderson believes it helps him clear his mind of racing thoughts.
Performance Turnaround
Since December, Henderson’s performance has significantly improved. In 27 games, he averages 13.7 points, 5.4 assists, and 1.3 steals, shooting 46.8 percent from the field and 41.5 percent from beyond the arc.
His emergence has quieted the whispers about him being a bust and eased the pressure on the Blazers to find a point guard to lead their rebuild.
Player Development
Henderson’s improvement is also a result of the Blazers’ player development efforts. Shooting consultant John Townsend has adjusted Henderson’s shot, while assistants Chris Fleming and Pooh Jeter have provided film sessions and drills to enhance his defensive skills and finishing ability.
Coach Chauncey Billups has held Henderson accountable, emphasizing the importance of defense.
“It takes a village,” Jeter said.
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The Power of Calm
Henderson credits his improved performance to the peace of mind he finds on his balcony. He has always had the physical tools, but mental clarity has been the missing piece.
“The thing I’m most proud about is me not thinking,” Henderson said. “I feel like I was thinking I wasn’t thinking, but I was thinking so much to where I was thinking. You can’t hide the fact you were thinking.”
His struggles in the past were partly due to his intense desire to succeed, which sometimes led to forced actions and mistakes.
“I wanted to be great so fast and I wanted to make an impact so badly … but that can hurt you. It can make you force,” Henderson said.
Shooting Improvement
John Townsend, the shooting consultant, has made significant adjustments to Henderson’s shooting form. Townsend focused on positioning the ball to the side of Henderson’s head, with his elbow and forearm at a 90-degree angle.
“He knows what he is doing,” said Jerami Grant, who first hired Townsend in 2020.
Townsend’s work has helped Henderson shoot more consistently, with his 3-point percentage improving from 32.5 percent in his rookie season to 36.5 percent this season.
Assistance and Accountability
Chris Fleming has worked with Henderson on shot selection, particularly eliminating the stepback 3. Fleming noted that teams often go “under” Henderson’s pick, leaving him space to shoot.
Pooh Jeter has been Henderson’s closest confidant, helping him decompress after games and providing support.
Coach Chauncey Billups has held Henderson accountable, emphasizing the importance of defense and helping him stay focused.
Belief and Trust
Despite the challenges, Henderson has never lost faith in himself or his abilities.
“His obsession with getting better has been pretty impressive,” Fleming said. “His improvement is every bit driven by him.”
Billups echoed this sentiment, noting Henderson’s resilience and team-first attitude.
“He had some tough times last year, and his confidence would go up and down, but his spirit never did,” Billups said.
The Future
On February 3, Henderson turned 21 and celebrated with a strong performance against Phoenix, scoring 15 points and dishing out six assists in an overtime win.
His January was particularly impressive, with a career-high 39 points against Brooklyn and notable games against Houston and Chicago.
Henderson’s journey is a testament to the power of mental and physical preparation, as well as the support of a team.
“I owe this city,” Henderson said. “They show so much love. So I owe it to them to try my hardest to be great.”
Scoot Henderson fires a jumper last month against the Chicago Bulls. (Troy Wayrynen / Imagn Images)
Conclusion
Scoot Henderson’s journey from a highly touted rookie to a confident and effective point guard is a story of perseverance, mental fortitude, and the right support system. His balcony routine, combined with the guidance of his coaches and teammates, has helped him find the peace of mind he needed to excel on the court.
As Henderson continues to grow and develop, his story serves as an inspiration to athletes and aspiring players everywhere.
What do you think about Scoot Henderson’s journey? Share your thoughts in the comments below!