Xavier Henry: Finishing is the Goal

Xavier’s skill set could use refinement.  He could do a better job protecting the basketball.  His shot difficulty at the rim is unusually high.  His finishing rate within 3′ from the hoop is 55%.  This is almost 10% worse than Jeremy Lin. He finds his body contorted at the rim or trying to jump around defenders to get a good look. Sometimes, it takes a second change of direction on a drive to get a better look. Sometimes, it’s a basic decision.  Why force the issue when there’s an open floater available?  A teardrop shot would get him far.

Even though he is currently injured, Xavier Henry has a critical role with the Lakers. The wing position is tied up with Kobe Bryant, Nick Young, and Wesley Johnson.   Each of them deserve 25-30 minutes per game.  Xavier Henry could solidify the wing position by being the fourth wing.  Every time he comes into the game, he is in attack mode.  Once his confidence builds up in his jumpshot, the game gets easy for him.  The team feeds off of that energy.  He steps up his intensity defensively.  He cuts into passing lanes.  He defends multiple players.  There’s more bounce to his step.

If he solidifies the wing position, the Lakers bench becomes its own bench mob.  Jeremy Lin, Nick Young, and Xavier Henry can come onto the court, adding speed, confidence, and energy.  They can change the momentum of the game altogether.  It’ll be a nice change of pace when he’s healthy by mid-season.

The NBA season is a marathon and Xavier Henry likes to sprint, as evidenced by his aggression to the hoop.  Xavier could do a better job picking and choosing when to attack. Jeremy Lin plans to learn that from Steve Nash.  Xavier Henry could learn that from Kobe Bryant.  Once he’s able to integrate a degree of patience into his game, it’ll open up a different wrinkle to his offensive skill, while preserving his body for an entire season.