Blazers' Henderson may not be ready for start of season

Gerald Henderson's tenure as a member of the Portland Trail Blazers is off to an inauspicious start.

Originally expected to be ready for training camp following arthroscopic surgery on his left hip in July, Henderson remains limited and his status for the beginning of the season is up in the air. He is yet to be cleared for full basketball activities and is without a timetable for a return.

"I can't say right now," Henderson said about opening night. "I want to play in the first game, but I can't say right now."

Acquired from the Charlotte Hornets as part of the return for Nicolas Batum, Henderson figures to be Portland's starting shooting guard once healthy, assuming nobody runs with the role in his stead. Henderson, 27, is among the veterans on the rebuilding Blazers, and could be in line for an increased role ahead of unrestricted free agency.

Over the last four seasons, Henderson has averaged 14.1 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.5 assists. Initially a poor 3-point shooter, Henderson has become serviceable from outside, knocking down 33.6 percent of his long-range looks over the past three years.