Philadelphia 76ers HAVE SIGNED (should consider) SG Gerald Henderson

As free agency continues to progress, the field for the Philadelphia 76ers is shrinking. But we’ve uncovered a new player to consider – shooting guard Gerald Henderson

The free agency field in back court veterans is starting to thin out a little. As each committed free agent takes a team out of the market, it also takes a player out of the market.  Since the Philadelphia 76ers had hopes to sign free agents, it’s getting to a point where the team needs to reshuffle their board and look at players who can meet their veteran leadership needs and still contribute to the team.  One such player is Jamal Crawford, who seemed to be warming up to the idea of signing with the Philadelphia 76ers.   Since some time has passed without progress, perhaps its time to consider a new player?  Why not former Portland Trailblazer Gerald Henderson?

Prophetically stated, as the 76ers have already signed Jerry Bayless to a 3 year deal worth $27 Million. And now, even more prophetically stated:

Gerald Henderson is a seven-year NBA veteran originally from Caldwell, NJ. He was drafted in the 2009 NBA Draft by the Charlot Hornets at 12, and had played as a Hornet until traded to the Portland Trailblazers in a deal which sent Nicolas Batum to the Charlotte Hornets.

A starter for the Hornets, Henderson played a reduced role for the Trailblazers, appearing in just 72 games and always coming in off the bench.  His playing time dropped to an average 19.9 minutes per game – his lowest playing time since his rookie season.  His difficulty of getting minutes was due, in large part, to playing behind C.J. McCollum.   Despite that reduction of time on the court, only his scoring slid in proportion, falling to 8.7 points per game.  He continued to shoot accurately, draining 43.9 percent of his shots from the floor, and 35.3 percent of his treys.

Henderson had hip surgery on July 2015, the second such surgery.  His first operation occured in May 2011, when he had a torn labrum repaired.   The second surgery on his hip was debridement arthroscopy surgery on his left hip.

"“Gerald had some knee tendinitis issues this season, and the doctors have told us that fixing this congenital defect in his hip should alleviate those problems,” Bobcats general manager Rod Higgins said in statement released after the 2011 surgery. “The doctors also feel that addressing the hip issue now will help prevent the possibility of further damage in the future.”"

The second hip surgery seemed to have affected Henderson early in the 2015-2016 season.   Through Jan 2016, he was barely averaging over 7.0 points per game.  But he found his groove as the season wore on, scoring season high 19 points twice in the latter months of the season.

Next: Philadelphia 76ers' Ben Simmons Arrives In Utah

The Philadelphia 76ers are considering a number of free agents right now, and have shown no rush to sign players to the roster.  While there are no official links of Henderson to the Philadelphia 76ers yet, there soon may be.  Henderson has ties in the Philadelphia area, and he is one of the better free agents remaining uncommitted.    He won’t be available for much longer, as his name is beginning to appear in discussions with some NBA teams.

Henderson would be a good bridge at shooting guard for the 76ers.  Good enough for a phone call. Better yet for a signing.  This was a great acquisition.