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'He is a lottery talent': Aaron Henry busy showcasing why he belongs

Michigan State forward Aaron Henry enters the NBA draft as perhaps the top defender in the class, but the Big Ten All-Defensive player wants to prove that he is much more than that.

Henry was named to the All-Big Ten third team after averaging 15.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.3 blocks as a junior. He scored at least 20 points seven times throughout the season, including a career-high 27 points twice.

The 6-foot-6 forward led the Spartans in scoring, assists, steals and minutes (32.5) while he was tied for the most rebounds and was second in blocked shots. He was one of only two Division I players to average at least 15 points, 5.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.2 blocks per game.

Henry announced in April he would sign with an agent and declare for the draft, forgoing his remaining collegiate eligibility. He has been training daily with two-time NBA champion Mike Miller in Memphis ahead of the draft.

He is widely viewed as one of the top defensive players in the draft this year given his size, instincts and versatility on that end of the floor. His 6-foot-10 wingspan gives him the luxury of playing the passing lanes to get deflections and contest shots against the taller competition.

“I think he is the best defender in this year’s draft,” Miller told Rookie Wire. “He is way better with the ball than people give him credit for. His finishing package is incredible. By Year 2 or 3, he’ll be one of those guys you can’t keep off the floor. He is one of those guys on any team, a young team or older team, he is ready to play because of what he did at Michigan State and how he was built by the culture there.”

Entering the draft, perhaps the biggest knock on Henry was his shooting.

He shot 34.4% from 3-point range as a sophomore, but just 29.6% last season. Henry has worked extensively with Miller on improving his shot, and the results are beginning to show since the two linked up this summer.

“He has shown a lot more consistency in it,” Miller said. “I truly believe that he’ll be a high 30% 3-point shooter. He is such a strong kid. To me, simplifying the jump shot is all I ever work on. We try to take out the room for error and have done that. He is more consistent now, controls the misses; there are a lot fewer of them now.”

Given his current skills and ability to do everything on the floor, Henry is projected to be a borderline first-round pick. With his shot improving after working with Miller, Henry has the potential to be a strong 3-and-D option at the next level.

“I think he is a lottery talent,” Miller said. “I have been in the gym with everybody. When you watch Aaron in the gym in 3-on-3 read and react actions, ballhandling actions and shooting actions, you probably couldn’t name me 15 players that would do the things he does just knowing how to play, defend and rebound.”

With just over two weeks to go until the NBA draft, Henry will stay busy with roughly 10 workouts on the schedule in the coming days. He wants to showcase his improved shot to teams, in addition to the rest of his overall game.

Rookie Wire recently caught up with Henry to discuss working out with Miller, the pre-draft process, what he wants to show NBA teams and much more.

Please note this interview was minorly edited in its transcript for clarity

What was it like playing for coach Izzo?

Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

AH: It was a learning experience from Day 1 until the day I left. I still recall conversations we had when we got into it. We may have disagreed on some things but all in all, when you have time to think or you’re hearing things from people in the NBA, Coach Izzo used to say those same things no matter how much I didn’t believe him or not.

How would you describe your game to someone who hasn't watched you play?

AH: A guy that does it all. A guy that leads and does everything on both ends of the court. A guy that rebounds, scores, passes and guards multiple positions. A guy who is a dual four and get his teammates the ball and score for himself and defend the best player, it doesn’t matter the position. One of the more versatile players in the NBA.

What has it been like to work out with Mike Miller?

AH: Man, it has been so exciting just to get a chance to develop my game in front of a guy that has played in the NBA for a variety of teams and roles. He has been a good, team locker room guy. Just to be able to learn from him has been nothing shy of a blessing.

He is accomplished as an NBA champion, Rookie of the Year, etc. What can working out with someone like that do for your game?

AH: It can only get me as much experience as possible. Being around him every day even just off the court, I’m just soaking up all of the knowledge he can give me. It is important to understand that he is a shooter and he can help me, but just understanding how to be a professional at the highest level. He has won rings, played with LeBron (James) and won Rookie of the Year; his resume speaks for itself. I’m just glad to be around an actual, real professional like that and he is more than willing to help me out in every way.

He mentioned getting you into a daily routine. How are you liking that daily grind?

AH: It has really taken my shot to another level I feel like. My shot has taken the biggest strides. I don’t know too many people that shoot the ball better than Mike. Working with him will take my game as long as it can go. You see what shooting did for him. You don’t have to be the most athletic guy, shooting is just a premium these days.

How much has your shot improved working with him?

AH: It is night and day. It’s not that I was a bad shooter. I’ve had streaky games but with that comes consistency and that is something he has taught me. Be consistent in my movement, be consistent in the way I approach my shot, my finish.

He believes you can be a high-30% shooter from 3-point range by Year 2 or 3. Do you agree with that?

AH: Just knowing myself, and where I strive to be, I would say sooner, but if he feels that way about me by my second or third year, the sky is the limit. That will really just increase my level of play and how teams see me and my game period.

Mike called you the best defensive player in this draft. Where do you think you rank among your peers this year?

AH: No. 1 for sure. My IQ, athleticism and just understanding how the game works. I’m a basketball junkie. I watch it consistently no matter the level. I feel like the game will always be with me. It will never pass me by because I’m always attentive to it.

Why do you like to lock in so much on the defensive end of the floor?

AH: It is a decision. It is a pride thing. You either got it, or you don’t. Michigan State guys are tough. It doesn’t matter where they end up in the NBA, they leave their mark for sure. That is just something Izzo puts in you from Day 1. You can put the ball in the basket all day but who can you guard?

How do you think your defense will translate at the next level?

AH: Only better. I only learn from professionals now. I’m eager to get across the room with guys just as good as me and learn from the coaches that have been in the position that I’ve been dying to be in for the past 21 years of my life. I’m just really excited for the opportunity just to continue to grow no matter where I end up. Everywhere I went, I’ve had to work harder than everybody else and listen to the right people.

It sounds like you like that chip on your shoulder being discounted a little bit.

AH: Man, that drives me the most because I’ve been slept on forever. I really have been, and I always carry that with me. It is what it is. I don’t cry about it. It’ll keep me going. It’s good to have that chip on my shoulder. It keeps me hungry.

How does your 6-foot-10 wingspan help you on the defensive end?

Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports

AH: Being able to contest those shots at the rim against smaller guards. If I get some big guys on me, maybe a little contest. I’m not 6-foot-9 but my arms can make up for it sometimes. I like to be aggressive and force those guards to take tough shots.

How many teams have you worked out with so far?

AH: So far, I’ve worked out for the Milwaukee Bucks and New York Knicks but I have a ton of workouts set up prior to the draft. I have Orlando on the schedule for sure and I have about nine or 10 more on the schedule.

What are you trying to show teams during these workouts?

AH: That I’m the defender that I showed throughout the season and my shot is not what my percentage shows. I feel like there is a lot more that goes into the percentage and so much progression and consistency has come since I’ve been with Mike. I just can’t wait to show that and I can also show I can do more than just that. I’m not going to go out of my way and act like I’m Chris Paul in the pick and roll, but I can definitely find guys and a secondary guy and, hopefully, develop into a guy that can do it all.

Who did you look up to growing up?

AH: Paul George is my favorite player just because he was in Indy. If I had to have a player comparison, I feel like it would be kind of like a Marcus Smart or Gary Harris, something along those lines. They’re just tough, physical people. They don’t take stuff from anybody.

What kind of plans do you have on draft night?

AH: I’ll probably just be around my family. I asked my dad if he can grill some food for me so that’ll be pretty exciting. Other than that, though, nothing else.

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