Former NBA center John Henson announced his retirement on Thursday. Henson, 33, confirmed to RG.org's Spencer Davies in an exclusive phone interview that he has retired as an actor and will pursue broadcasting. He has been out of the NBA since 2020 and has no desire to try to come back.
Former NBA first-round pick John Henson is giving up “exploring and figuring out” what he wants in life
“I'm done bro lol. I've been blessed to play for so long,” Henson texted Davies. “There are many opportunities, men. It's a matter of one step at a time. … I have time to explore and figure out what I want to do next. “This is just the next phase, we'll see where it takes me. But so far, so good.
“It was fun. It's like a trip, man. Every year, there are new opportunities. Just like basketball, you have to work hard, stay grounded, prepare and meet the right people. … [You also need to] know the right people, treat people the right way, and it will improve you.”
In 445 regular season NBA games (160 starts) over eight seasons, he averaged 7.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.1 assists, and 19.7 minutes per contest while shooting 54% from the field, 25% from three-point range, and 56.8% from the free throw line.
Former NBA center @Johnhenson31specifically @RGSafePlayconfirms his retirement and looks forward to the next phase of his life in sports media.
with @SpinDavies
— RG.org (@RGSafePlay) September 11, 2024
The 6-foot-9 Henson was selected 14th overall by the Milwaukee Bucks in the 2012 NBA draft out of North Carolina. He spent his first seven seasons (2012-18) with the Bucks, then played for the Cleveland Cavaliers (2018-20) and Detroit Pistons (2019-20 season).
In Milwaukee's 113–103 loss to the Orlando Magic on April 10, 2013, he recorded 17 points, a career-high 25 rebounds, three assists, and seven blocks in 41 minutes off the bench.
In the Bucks' final 95–89 regular-season loss against the Oklahoma City Thunder on April 17, he posted a career-high 28 points, 16 rebounds, and one assist in 44 minutes as a starter.
Henson has been prioritizing media work after passing on coaching offers in recent years
In 70 games (23 starts) of the 2013-14 season, John Henson averaged career bests of 11.1 points, 7.1 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 26.5 minutes per game. However, wrist and hamstring injuries sidelined him and limited his availability during his final few seasons.
Although he signed a 10-day contract with the New York Knicks in April 2021, Henson did not appear in any games for the NBA franchise. He also signed with the Mets de Guaynabo in Puerto Rico in March 2022, but ended up not playing any minutes.
“I wouldn't fight. “I could have gone the G League route and tried to go back, but I was just a guy that basketball was never going to be life or death for me or my life,” Henson said.
“I will not sit here and beat my head against the wall. My first thought was to finish my education and let me see what happens. Then we go from there.”
According to Davies' report, Henson has turned in coaching requests in recent years. He turned down an offer to be a veteran mentor on the G League Ignite roster. In addition, he turned down a coaching position for the Capital City Go-Go, the Washington Wizards' G League affiliate.
In addition, Henson has been prioritizing media activities. He will provide color commentary for ACC games and serve as an analyst for SiriusXM's ACC Today program during the 2024-25 season. Henson previously spent two seasons appearing on “The Bettor Half Hour” on the MSG Network.
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