Gerald Henderson

The Bobcats' failed experiment with Lance Stephenson last season was a boon to Henderson's bottom line, statistically-speaking, yet the Duke product's output experienced a slight downturn in nearly every category. After easing into the campaign due to a strained hamstring suffered in training camp, Henderson earned a starting nod in 70 of the final 72 games, logging time at both two-guard and small forward en route to 13.0 points (on 44 percent shooting), 3.5 rebounds, and 2.8 assists in 30 minutes per game. The production jibes with his line from the previous three seasons – 14.8 points (on 45 percent shooting), 3.9 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 0.8 steals in 32 minutes nightly – when he started 190 of 200 games played, but he'll be challenged to uphold that standard following the first change of venue in his career. Traded to the Blazers in the offseason, the 27-year-old Henderson was at first glance a viable candidate to assume Wesley Matthews' starting role. Soon after his arrival, though, Henderson underwent a left hip debridement on July 7, which isn't expected to impede his readiness for training camp. Instead, general manager Neil Olshey's support of 2013 first-round pick C.J. McCollum is the gravest threat to Henderson dropping out of the fantasy picture, or at least sustaining enough of a workload to maintain relevance.

Although Henderon had established himself as a legitimate starter in this league, the Hornets made the free agency splash of signing Lance Stephenson to push Henderson into more of a sixth man role. What that obviously means for the 26-year-old swingman is fewer minutes to some degree. With Stephenson's size, though, it's more than likely the two will spend time on the floor together, allowing Henderson to probably come in around 25 minutes per game. If the need for additional offense calls, though, the perennial sub-45 percent shooter with limited range will probably find himself on the bench.

Henderson shook off an early-season foot injury and demotion behind rookie Jeffery Taylor to finish with career-highs in scoring (15.5), assists (2.6), three-point percentage (33 percent) and free-throw percentage (82 percent), earning a three-year, $18 million extension from the Bobcats in July. It was the second half in particular in which Henderson truly seemed to come into his own, averaging 18.9 points, 4.0 rebounds and 3.4 assists on 46 percent shooting. With the Bobcats deploying most of their offseason efforts into improving the team's frontcourt, Henderson and Kemba Walker appear relatively secure in their roles as the team's primary scorers out of the backcourt. Moreover, the addition of Al Jefferson gives the Bobcats an offensive force down low that that the team hasn't had in its franchise history, which could afford Henderson more open looks from three as opposing defenses look to collapse in the post. If Henderson can continue to knock down more threes as a result, he'll have a decent shot at another career year.

Henderson was possibly the best all-around player for the Bobcats last season, returning from knee surgery and starting 55 games. He led the Bobcats with a 15.1 points per game average last season and also averaged 4.1 rebounds per game. He should make a good one-two combination with Kidd-Gilchrist and appears to have future All-Star potential.

Henderson had a breakout second half of last season. He underwent hip surgery to relieve pain in his knee that he had all last year and he came into camp saying he is 100 percent. Although he still has plenty to work on, he has also shown plenty of potential. Look for Henderson to be the number two scoring option on the Bobcats this season.

In his rookie season, Henderson saw very little playing time. He likely won’t see significant playing time again this season because of the heavy minutes that Jackson logs.

Henderson is an explosive player who has the tools and athleticism to develop into a big-time contributor. He does not have a great outside shot; he's more of a slasher who can create shots off the dribble. Henderson has the talent to put up big fantasy numbers for owners but may not see the minutes at least in the beginning of his rookie year.