Henderson expects to provide more than vocal leadership

Ben Simmons' injury won't affect anything Gerald Henderson does as a 76er this season.

"Even with Ben here, I'm still the same player," Henderson said after Thursday's shootaround at the Sixers practice facility. "Leadership has to do with all facets. I'm just not here to talk and tell people what to do. I'm bringing my game, and I'm looking forward that."

On the court, the former Episcopal Academy standout fits perfectly in the Sixers' system.  The eighth-year veteran signed a two-year free-agent deal with his hometown team this summer. He brings a welcomed athletic presence. The 6-foot-5, 215-pounder can defend and rebound well at the shooting guard position. He's also an improved shooter who can score.

Henderson's only goals are to play the way he's played during his previous stops in Charlotte and Portland.

"I  think I still have a lot left in the tank," he said. "I'm only 28 years old. I probably still have my best seasons ahead of me. That's what I'm looking forward to doing."

Henderson has averaged 11.5 points through his first seven seasons.

The Sixers are taking things slowly with him this preseason.

He played 10 minutes, 37 seconds in Tuesday's 92-89 exhibition victory over Boston at the University of Massachusetts.  Henderson didn't score a point while missing his two shots attempt.

There was a thought that his minutes were restricted due to soreness in his left hip.  Henderson underwent debridement arthroscopy surgery in the hip in July, 2015.  He went on to miss the first eight games of the season with the Blazers.

"It's not an injury. It's nothing," he said of any lingering effects from that surgery. "I get soreness in it. I just want to be fresh going into the season.

"So whatever coach is doing with the minutes, probably has more to do with our team than anything. I feel fine."

Follow and contact 76ers beat writer Keith Pompey on Twitter and on Instagram at PompeyOnSixers.