Gerald Henderson did not speak like a man who was resigned to losing his starting job during the Charlotte Hornets media day earlier this week. Nor did he speak like a player expecting to retain his starting job. Rather, he spoke as most seasoned NBA vets do, about earning it.

“You have to earn your spot every year,” Henderson said, and “be better than the other guys.”

Those “other guys” are Lance Stephenson, an All-Star talent brought in from Indiana, and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, a defensive maestro with an improving jumper. Henderson will have his chance to earn it over the next month during training camp, scrimmage games, and at practice. But with the addition of Stephenson, who Head Coach Steve Clifford already tapped to start, and the off-season progression of Kidd-Gilchrist, Henderson’s move to the bench seems inevitable.

As the starting two-guard last season, Henderson averaged 14 points, 4 rebounds, and 2.6 assists. He was neither great nor terrible on offense, and was a capable defender. In short, Henderson was a very average player.

But Henderson looked out of place during Charlotte’s lone playoff series. He was the victim of Dwyane Wade’s old-man post moves and offered very little himself on offense. There is no question a major reason the Hornets management sought to upgrade the wing during the offseason was due to Henderson’s playoff performance.

Apr 23, 2014; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade (3) shoots over Charlotte Bobcats guard Gerald Henderson (9) in game two during the first round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

If it is indeed inevitable, how Henderson handles a move to the bench may be the most important contribution he makes to the Hornets this season.

Outstanding team chemistry was a major reason Charlotte was successful last season. One player with a me-first attitude can poison a locker room. Just ask the Pacers. (Until he proves otherwise, Stephenson’s locker room behavior remains a concern. Sorry, folks. That’s just the truth.)

None of this is to say Henderson is not valuable to this team. He absolutely is. I suspect Henderson can thrive as a bench player with less responsibility. Henderson is much better off the ball. Paired with Stephenson and Brian Roberts, or even Gary Neal, Henderson can slash through the lane, get to the basket, and make the plays he is most comfortable making.

If Gerald Henderson is nothing else, he is a pro’s pro. At media day he praised last year’s team chemistry and cited how there are already positive vibes around the team this season. Of course every player wants to start, but as a player who suffered through some of the worst seasons in NBA history, things could be a lot worse than being the sixth man on a playoff team.

Observations

– I am reading between the lines here, but Coach Steve Clifford suggesting that Cody Zeller is prepared to play the five position this season does not bode well for Bismack Biyombo’s playing time. With Jason Maxiell in town, and Noah Vonleh’s development a priority, I just don’t see Biz on the court very often.

– I’ll be curious to see how Clifford uses P.J. Hairston this season in light of Jeffrey Taylor’s domestic abuse situation and Gary Neal’s off-season progress. Offensively, P.J. is certainly big enough to slide over to the three to back-up Kidd-Gilchrist. Whether or not he can guard NBA three’s is a different story.

– I enjoyed listening to Al Jefferson talk about young players in the league. Big Al said he calls all rookies “rookie” and second-year players “young fella.” He said he doesn’t call them by name until year three.