Cavs: John Henson could be a valuable reserve piece for contenders

When he’s been active for the Cleveland Cavaliers, big man John Henson has played well, and he could be a valuable reserve for a contender.

The Cleveland Cavaliers have gotten quality play out of big man John Henson when he’s been active for the club.

That’s been a pleasant surprise, as Henson did not play at all last season for Cleveland after he was a piece sent over in a three-team trade by the Milwaukee Bucks (which also the Washington Wizards).

That was the case because of a reported torn left wrist ligament, and unfortunately for Henson, he missed all of the preseason due to reported hamstring and then ankle ailments.

Henson also missed 17 games after making an appearance in Cleveland’s second game of the 2019-20 season against the Indiana Pacers due to a reported hamstring strain, which was seemingly in relation to his prior hamstring issue.

Henson also simply been held out of games due to coach’s decisions in a few instances, too. When the 29-year-old has played for the Cleveland Cavaliers, though, he’s usually given them productive minutes.

In 20 appearances this season, Henson has averaged 4.7 points, 3.8 rebounds and a team-leading 1.3 blocks per game, as noted by NBA.com.

Factoring in that Henson has been a plus defender throughout his NBA career, which has mostly been with the Bucks, I would think Henson could be a valuable reserve piece for contenders.

Henson, who is set to make $9.7 million this season, which is not a complete bargain but is also not extremely expensive in today’s NBA, is on an expiring contract. Nonetheless, I wouldn’t think Henson, especially given his injury issues while as a member of the Cavs, would have a bunch of trade value.