JJ Hickson

Hickson (knee) hopes to be ready for training camp, and if that's not the case, he believes he'll be ready before the season begins. When asked about a rumored January return date, Hickson said, "That's false. I'm looking to be ready for training camp. If not, definitely before the season starts." He went down with an ACL tear in his right knee during the Nuggets' March 21 game against the Mavericks last season. Before the injury, he was averaging 11.8 points, 9.2 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 0.7 steals, and 0.7 blocks in 27 minutes per game. In May, it was reported that Hickson was targeting a January return. Timetables for a return from ACL surgery vary, so it's hard to pick a concrete date for Hickson's return. Even when he does return, Hickson may not have a regular role in the rotation considering the impending healthy return of JaVale McGee (knee) and the development of Kenneth Faried and Timofey Mozgov last season.

Hickson signed with the Nuggets this offseason for three years and $15 million. He had a solid season in Portland, averaging 12.7 points and 10.3 rebounds, but in Denver, he will find himself competing for minutes at power forward with Kenneth Faried and for time at center behind JaVale McGee. Both are projected starters, which leaves Hickson in the more likely role of contributing as a backup for both positions. If he can continue to be versatile and play both the four and five spot, he should be able to find enough minutes to contribute in a meaningful way.

As a power forward, Hickson will have trouble getting the minutes required to make a significant fantasy impact. Portland already as LaMarcus Aldridge in place at the four, and he’ll get anywhere from 35 to 38 minutes a night. Hickson will need to emerge as Portland’s starting center to carve out a significant role. At this point, the only natural center on the roster is 11th-overall draft pick Myers Leonard. He’s considered a project and may not open the season in the starting lineup. After Hickson was waived by Sacramento last season, the Blazers scooped him up and liked what they saw in his 19-game audition. Hickson averaged 15.1 points and 8.3 rebounds while shooting 54.3 percent from the field during the team’s late-season push to play its young players. Hickson is a bit undersized as a center, but he played the position for stretches of time while with the Cavaliers earlier in his career. The Blazers feel a lineup with Hickson alongside Aldridge can work. He’s definitely better than he showed in Sacramento last season, when he got caught up with a franchise in turmoil and a coaching shuffle. He’s a real sleeper heading into this season.

Hickson put together a strong second half last season in Cleveland, averaging a double-double and becoming a valuable fantasy asset down the stretch. With the Kings, he will come off the bench in relief of Chuck Hayes and DeMarcus Cousins. The Kings have a lot more scoring options than the Cavaliers did last season, which will cut into Hickson’s offensive looks. His offensive talent gives him a decent amount of upside; but make sure not to pay for last season’s numbers when drafting Hickson this year.

Hickson is one of very few reasons for Cavs fans to be optimistic about the future. The third-year big man out of N.C. State looked good in limited exposure last season, and absolutely dominated the competition at the Vegas summer league this year. An athletic 6-9, 240, Hickson even has the ability to slide over and guard some centers – a skill that will be very much in need this season, with Cleveland losing both Shaquille O'Neal and Zydrunas Ilgauskas to free agency and no obvious replacement in sight. Look for Hickson to establish himself as a big part of the Cavs' future plans this season.

He's a former first-round pick that the Cavaliers are still high on. The problem now is finding him more minutes. With the Cavaliers in championship mode that may be tough, especially after the acquisitions of Shaquille O'Neal and Jamario Moon. Hickson will be a part of the rotation, but it may just be spot duty as in making sure the front court keeps out of foul trouble. If someone does go down, Hickson will have a nice opportunity, especially in the rebounding area.

The 19th overall draft pick by the Cavaliers played solidly in the summer league. Hickson is young and athletic at 6-9, the key word being “young”. At only 19 he can't be counted on for much early in the season. After averaging 15-points and eight rebounds at N.C. State, he played himself into the first round. However, with his size and youthfulness he will at least be vying for a rotation spot.

The 19th overall draft pick by the Cavaliers played solidly in the summer league. Hickson is young and athletic at 6-9, the key word being “young”. At only 19 he can't be counted on for much early in the season. After averaging 15-points and eight rebounds at N.C. State, he played himself into the first round. However, with his size and youthfulness he will at least be vying for a rotation spot.