Milwaukee Bucks: 5 goals for John Henson in 2018-19 season

SACRAMENTO, CA - NOVEMBER 28: John Henson #31 of the Milwaukee Bucks looks on during the game against the Sacramento Kings on November 28, 2017 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CA - NOVEMBER 28: John Henson #31 of the Milwaukee Bucks looks on during the game against the Sacramento Kings on November 28, 2017 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)
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MILWAUKEE, WI – OCTOBER 03: (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WI – OCTOBER 03: (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

Return back to defensive specialist ways

The early hallmark of Henson’s NBA career came on the defensive end where he stood as a solid to above average rim protector.

That most notably came across during the 2014-15 season where Henson tallied two blocks per game, picking up the defensive mantle left behind in the wake of Larry Sanders‘ departure and paving the way to the rookie contract extension he signed in that year’s offseason months later.

Since then, Henson’s defensive specialist tendencies haven’t been at the forefront of his play to the same degree. Perhaps that’s a byproduct of the overall defensive issues the Bucks experienced throughout the last three years under the previous coaching regime.

But the combination of Henson’s physical tools, length and shot blocking instincts may provide the right recipe to help beef up the Bucks’ interior defense under Coach Bud and his coaching staff.

Bringing Henson closer to the basket where the best of his individual defense shines will surely help correct some of the woes they have endured on that side of the floor in recent memory.

With his role being dialed back and the potential for him to be used in more defensive-minded situations, Henson has the potential to regain his status as a respectable shot blocking specialist to observers around the league.