HoopsHype.com Rumors

The New Orleans Hornets have picked up the contract options for shooting guards Xavier Henry and Greivis Vasquez for next season. New Orleans Times-Picayune

New Orleans Hornets, Greivis Vasquez, Xavier Henry 

Henry, who was acquired in a trade from the Memphis Grizzlies in exchange for a 2013 second round pick earlier this month, has not played in a game yet for the Hornets because of recovering from an ankle injury he suffered in training camp with the Grizzlies. He could play his first game on Wednesday night against the Oklahoma City Thunder. New Orleans Times-Picayune

New Orleans Hornets, Greivis Vasquez, Xavier Henry 

New Orleans Hornets Coach Monty Williams said there is a great chance that injured shooting guard Xavier Henry will play for the first time next week. Since the Hornets acquired Henry from the Memphis Grizzlies in a trade earlier this month in exchange for a 2013 second-round pick, he has been rehabilitating his ankle. Henry tore ligaments in his ankle last month with the Grizzlies during training camp. Meanwhile, Williams said they still don’t know when starting shooting guard Eric Gordon may return from a bruised right knee injury that’s forced him to miss nine consecutive games. ``We don’t know right now,’’ Williams said about Gordon’s possible return. ``We know some things, I’m just not able to talk about it just yet. ``We’re just kind of waiting.’’ New Orleans Times-Picayune

New Orleans Hornets, Xavier Henry, Injuries, Eric Gordon 

Unable to play since joining the Hornets earlier this month, shooting guard Xavier Henry is about a week from returning to the lineup after recovering from torn ligaments in his ankle, Coach Monty Williams said. Henry, who was acquired in a trade from the Memphis Grizzlies in exchange for a second-round pick, is now participating in shootarounds and practices. “I still think he’s a week away,’’ Williams said. “To put a guy out there that has not gone through camp, you are asking for another injury.’’ New Orleans Times-Picayune

New Orleans Hornets, Xavier Henry, Injuries 

Henry, 20, was a lottery pick (12th overall) by Memphis in the 2010 draft, but his development has been hindered by injuries. He is recovering from a second-degree right ankle sprain, including some ligament tearing, which happened at the outset of the Grizzlies’ training camp. “I think I’ll definitely be out there in the next two weeks,” said Henry, who played at Kansas and worked out for the Hornets at the Alario Center in a predraft audition. “I have a good estimation of about 10 days maybe, but I’d say in the next two weeks I’ll be out there playing.” New Orleans Times-Picayune

Memphis Grizzlies, New Orleans Hornets, Xavier Henry 

Hornets Coach Monty Williams, who has expressed concerns over his team’s shooting guard performances in the absence of starter Eric Gordon the past four games, says he can see Henry sliding between two positions. Gordon returned to the starting lineup in Wedneday night’s 101-93 loss to Philadelphia. “Xavier is a guy who, when he’s healthy, is going to play for us because he can do a number of things on the floor,” Williams said. “I told him my biggest issue with guys is defending and competing, playing hard. Offensively, he has some things you can’t really teach. He has a good feel for the game. He can shoot the ball, not to range yet, but 18 or 19 feet. “He might be more of a three (small forward) than he is a two (shooting guard). He has got a big body (6 feet 6, 220 pounds). He can do both. I’d probably call him a wing. A guy like Eric is just a two, but Xavier might be a wing, a guy who can play both. I don’t see him ever being a guy who handles the ball and initiates offense like Eric. I’d say he’s a solid wing.” New Orleans Times-Picayune

Memphis Grizzlies, New Orleans Hornets, Xavier Henry 

The Memphis Grizzlies have agreed in principle to the terms of a three-team trade with New Orleans and Philadelphia that will bring 76ers center Marreese Speights to the Grizzlies, according to sources with knowledge of the trade. The deal, on course to be completed later Wednesday, would send Memphis swingman Xavier Henry to the Hornets and two second-round picks to Philadelphia. ESPN.com

Memphis Grizzlies, New Orleans Hornets, Philadelphia 76ers, Trade, Xavier Henry, Marreese Speights 

The Grizzlies have agreed to acquire 6-10 forward/center Marresse Speights from the Philadelphia 76ers in a three-team trade, an NBA source confirmed this morning. Memphis would send second-year guard Xavier Henry to New Orleans, which would give Philadelphia a pair of second-round draft picks. Memphis Commercial Appeal

Memphis Grizzlies, New Orleans Hornets, Philadelphia 76ers, Trade, Xavier Henry, Marreese Speights 

Jimmy Smith: Newly acquired #Hornets SG Xavier Henry comes with existing ankle injury, could miss up to two weeks, sources indicate. Physical will tell. Twitter

New Orleans Hornets, Trade, Xavier Henry, Injuries 

The New Orleans Hornets acquired second-year shooting guard Xavier Henry from the Memphis Grizzlies in exchange for a future second-round pick, league sources confirmed Wednesday morning. New Orleans Times-Picayune

Memphis Grizzlies, New Orleans Hornets, Philadelphia 76ers, Trade, Xavier Henry, Marreese Speights 

The trade was part of a three-team deal that had the Grizzlies acquiring Philadelphia 76ers center Marreese Speights. New Orleans Times-Picayune

Memphis Grizzlies, New Orleans Hornets, Philadelphia 76ers, Trade, Xavier Henry, Marreese Speights 

Ronald Tillery: BREAKING: Henry out up to a month with torn ligaments in rt ankle. Henry in walking boot. CA story coming... Twitter

Memphis Grizzlies, Xavier Henry, Injuries 

Guard Xavier Henry stood out the most. Henry apparently is building on the progress I wrote about on June 26. He was extremely confident, shot the ball very well and even talked a lot of trash. Memphis Commercial Appeal

Memphis Grizzlies, Xavier Henry 

Henry has routinely worked out in FedExForum, going through a month-long recovery plan prescribed by doctors who initially advised him to undergo surgery. Henry now is pain free. He has progressed from riding a stationary bike to running in the pool to straight-line jogging on a treadmill to performing basketball exercises on the court. Henry's daily routine now includes defensive slides, running, shooting and drills that test his lateral movement. "I'm feeling more explosive than I was and I'm shooting it well," Henry said. "I'm really getting back into it." Memphis Commercial Appeal

Memphis Grizzlies, Xavier Henry, Injuries 

Henry said Memphis never really got to see his game. "The injury kind of took away from the (rookie) experience," he said. "But I'm ready to get back in shape and start playing again. ... My family did a good job of keeping me level- headed. I just kept having faith that everything happens for a reason. I'll be back. I'll be back better and stronger." Memphis Commercial Appeal

Memphis Grizzlies, Xavier Henry, Injuries 

Chris Vernon: for Grizzlies fans- was told today that Xavier Henry is running, jumpin, cuttin and is fine - Rudy Gay workin out but still cannot shoot Twitter

Memphis Grizzlies, Rudy Gay, Xavier Henry, Injuries 

Chris Herrington: Xavier Henry said he could need surgery on his knee but is hoping it won't come to that. Hopes to be cleared for full work in 3-4 weeks. Twitter

Memphis Grizzlies, Xavier Henry, Injuries 

The Memphis Grizzlies announced today that rookie guard Xavier Henry will be sidelined for the next four weeks as he continues his rehabilitation for a right knee sprain. He will be re-evaluated after that time. The 6-6, 220-pound guard has missed 12 games this season, including the last four-in-a-row, due to right knee soreness. He scored four points in eight minutes in his latest appearance on Feb. 22 at Denver. My FOX Memphis

Memphis Grizzlies, Xavier Henry, Injuries 

Xavier Henry will travel to New York soon to visit doctors for a second opinion on his knee. Memphis Commercial Appeal

Memphis Grizzlies, Xavier Henry, Injuries 

Meanwhile, Henry launched shots in an attempt to stay in rhythm. There is no timetable for his return. "It's disappointing," Henry said. "It would be disappointing if I was just sitting on the bench, too. I just want to play. That's all. I just hope in a couple of days that I'll be back." The Griz play next at Utah on Saturday. Henry suffered the injury late last week during a scrimmage at practice. "My knee went a little further back than it should have," Henry said. "It limits my jumping, my running and my timing. Everything. In time, it'll be alright." Memphis Commercial Appeal

Memphis Grizzlies, Xavier Henry, Injuries