Yahoo’s Adrian Wojnarowski has reported that Milwaukee Bucks power forward John Henson has signed a new, four-year $44 million contract. The contract could reportedly rise to $48 million if the promising power forward reaches certain goals. The brand new deal for Henson doesn’t actually come into effect until 2016 and then runs until 2020.
Henson, a former first round pick by the Bucks (14th overall) in 2012, has shown flashes of being a very good big man in the future. This contract has not so much been given because of production on the court, but more of potential in the years to come. Henson has definitely battled to get this deal; since he was drafted in 2012 Henson has had to fight for minutes on the court. Having players like Larry Sanders, Ersan Ilyasova and Zaza Pachulia in the rotation, Henson hasn’t got to where he is by luck. He has out played, out worked all of his fellow big men on the Bucks roster. All those players have since moved on and yet Henson remains.
Last season John Henson averaged 7.0 points, 4.7 rebounds and 2.0 blocks per game. Very solid and promising numbers from a player who only averaged 18.3 Minutes per game. Henson also played a part in 67 games, but he only started 11 of these. Very rarely do you find a player in the NBA who can start so few games and yet finds a way to get paid in the offseason. This clearly proves the Bucks organisation has a very high opinion of Henson and what he can give this team in the future. You can expect Henson numbers to go up this coming NBA season, especially with the addition of Greg Monroe; Henson could easily be Monroe’s new partner in crime in the paint.
There is still one question that will remain after Henson signs this brand new deal. That is does he deserve it?
In my personal opinion John Henson deserves this deal, and here’s why. Looking back at this year’s free agency period and the number of players who got paid an unusually high amount, re-signing a young player like Henson for just $44 Million over four years actually looks like an absolute bargain in today’s NBA market. The arrow for Henson is definitely pointing up, he will get better, and he will produce more season after season. The Bucks may have just made the re-signing of the offseason; I honestly don’t think the Bucks will regret this decision.
The Milwaukee Bucks future looks bright, and trust me John Henson will be a great part of it going forward.
