Sixers Notes: Bobcats coach expecting big things from Henderson

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - When former Episcopal Academy standout Gerald Henderson Jr. finally returns to the depleted Charlotte Bobcats lineup, his coach expects him to continue improving.

Including Monday's game against the 76ers, Henderson (strained right hamstring) has missed Charlotte's last five games. Bobcats coach Paul Silas said he expects Henderson back by this weekend.

The 12th pick overall in 2009, the Duke alumnus is Charlotte's leading scorer at 15.0 points per game.

"I'm really looking forward to getting him back," Silas said. "He means a lot to this team. He has a really good feel for the game. He works harder than any players I've ever been around on his shooting and every other aspect of the game."

Silas said Henderson will continue to improve. He also said he likes the characteristics he's seen in him.

"You can kind of see him becoming a leader on our team," Silas said. "He's talking to the guys all the time and he's making good comments. He's going to become a very good, good player."

All's well with Turner

Playing time for Sixers guard Evan Turner has been reduced a bit recently. Though he's averaging almost 25 minutes per game, Turner played just 23, 12, and 18 minutes, respectively, in his last three games.

Collins said it is mostly because Turner is fighting for minutes with all-star Andre Iguodala. Because Iguodala is the team's best defender, Collins has a hard time taking him off the floor, especially when he is guarding the opponent's best perimeter player.

"It's hard for me to take Andre off the floor if he is playing against one of the key guys," Collins said. "A lot of times he gets matched up with a guy and I want him to stay on that guy until the other coach rests that guy. What ends up happening is Evan might not get in until the last minute or two of the third quarter or a minute or two of the first quarter."

Contact staff writer John N. Mitchell at jmitchell@philly.com or @JmitchInquirer on Twitter.