Charles F. Gardner

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

MEMPHIS - John Henson is rooting for Larry Sanders in his comeback bid with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The former Milwaukee Bucks center is joining the Cavaliers for the rest of the season with a team option for next season, according to media reports.

Sanders got his chance when another former Bucks center, Andrew Bogut, suffered a fractured left leg in the first minute he played with the Cavaliers after signing as a free agent.

The 28-year-old Sanders has been out of the NBA since February 2015, when he reached a buyout agreement with the Bucks. Sanders has not played since December 2014 when he left a Bucks practice session and never returned.

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Sanders was treated for depression and anxiety issues and also was suspended four times by the NBA for drug use (marijuana violations). He signed a four-year, $44 million contract extension with the Bucks in August 2013.

“He’s doing well,” said Henson, who said he talked on the phone with Sanders on Sunday. “What a better situation to be going to than the champions.

“Him taking away time from the game for the issues he had, it shows you it’s possible to handle your business and do what you need for yourself and still have a chance. I’m glad that happened because a lot of players need that, a second chance.”

Sanders earlier worked out for the Cavaliers and he also held a workout for scouts from several teams in Miami.

He was the 15th overall pick by the Bucks in the 2010 draft and played in four-plus seasons with Milwaukee.

But he played in only 23 games in 2013-’14 after being involved in a bar brawl and injuring his thumb. He was involved that season in a locker-room altercation with teammate Gary Neal after a game in Phoenix. The following year he played in 27 games at the start of the season before leaving for personal reasons.

“It’s not all berries and roses and sunsets in the NBA,” Henson said. “It’s tough sometimes and I’m glad he got another shot.”

Sanders could get some time with Cleveland’s D-League affiliate, the Canton Charge, to prepare him for the NBA game and possible contributions in the post-season.

“Two years down, not in an NBA game, obviously the speed and timing is something he’s going to work on,” Henson said. “But at the height of his career, he was one of the top centers in this league.”

Asked how strange it would be if the Bucks faced Cleveland – with Sanders – in the playoffs, Henson said, “Go get dinner, man, you know what I mean.

“I’m so happy for him. I was close to him. I kind of knew the stuff he was going through and what he was dealing with. It’s amazing he played at such a high level.

“Hopefully this jump-starts his second career.”

The Bucks still owe Sanders nearly $9 million through the 2021-’22 season under terms of the buyout deal. They used the league’s stretch provision to reduce the salary cap hit to approximately $1.8 million each season through 2022.

Sanders’ agreement with the Cavaliers will not affect the money the Bucks owe Sanders.