Name: Xavier Henry
Pos: Guard
Year: 4th
2012-2013 Stats (New Orleans Pelicans)
PPG: 3.9 RPG: 1.8 APG: 0.3 SPG: 0.3 BPG: 0.1
FG%: 41% 3PT%: 36.4% FT%: 63%
PER: 7.65 USG%: 17.3% ORTG: 94 DRTG: 111
TS%: 48.1% EFG%: 42.2% DR%: 13.4% OR%: 3.9% TR: 8.6%
Last Season Summary:
Henry only appeared in 50 games last season for the New Orleans Hornets. The former lottery pick averaged about 12.5 minutes per game and only managed 3.9 points per game. He was stuck in the back of the rotation and did not make enough strides throughout the season to become more of a role player for New Orleans. Monty Williams did not trust Henry and it showed by the amount of minutes and games that he appeared in. This past season has been like his entire NBA career, a disappointment after being a promising high school and college star.
Strengths/Weaknesses:
Henry brings some great qualities to this Lakers squad, but his three-point shooting stands out. This past season he shot 36.4 percent from beyond the arc and he was even better the year before at 41 percent. He is also a very good rebounder for a shooting guard, he averaged close to two rebounds for his career and has good upper body strength. He also can attack the basket very well and gets to the free throw line. As for his weaknesses, Henry is not very good defensively and that is something the Lakers need from their perimeter players. Henry draws a lot of free throws, but he is not very good from the line for a shooting guard, his career percentage is 62.4 percent.
Expected Role:
If Henry can make the team, his offense is what will be expected from him this season. He is an above average three point shooter and if he can spread out the floor when he is in the game, it will make it much easier for the Lakers to run the D’Antoni offense. Creating easy offense off the bench by attacking the hole and drawing fouls on the other team will also be part of his role, he just needs to work on his free throw shooting.
This Year’s Expectations:
Henry has a tradition of not living up to expectations and unless he has seriously dedicated himself this summer, not much can be expected from the fourth year guard from Kansas. If he is able to earn a spot on the roster, he must improve his defense and really concentrate on regaining his confidence after a disappointing start to his NBA career.
