What Aaron Henry’s decision means for Michigan State basketball

Aaron Henry’s decision doesn’t come as a surprise, but it definitely stings a bit. Henry announced on Monday that he will be entering the 2021 NBA Draft.

“Being a professional basketball player has been my dream since I was a kid and after receiving guidance from my parents and coaching staff, I will be declaring for the 2021 NBA Draft with plans to sign with an agent,” Henry said in an Instagram post.

Henry spent three years in green and white. He embodied what it meant to be a Spartan Dawg. He played physical and put the team on his back when he needed to.

Henry averaged 10 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.6 assists during his time in East Lansing.

The only question that remains is what impact will this have on the Spartans next season?

Well, head coach Tom Izzo is losing his best player. This means that someone else is going to have to step up. It can’t be Rocket Watts, due to the fact that he has also departed from East Lansing via the transfer portal. It can’t be Jack Hoiberg for the same exact reason as Watts (among other reasons). It won’t be Thomas Kithier. It won’t be Foster Loyer. Could it be Gabe Brown? Tyson Walker? Could it be Malik Hall? Who knows, but someone has to do it.

Personally, I could see one of the incoming freshmen solidifying themselves as the “go-to”. Jaden Aikens, Pierre Brooks, and Max Christie all have the potential to be that.

Whichever NBA team is lucky enough to draft Henry will have my support next season. It’s going to suck to have to watch a Henry-less MSU basketball team, but I am confident that someone will step up in his absence.