Denver Nuggets Should Either Find Role for J.J. Hickson or Trade Him

The Denver Nuggets currently sit 11th in the Western Conference with a 9-12 record. Denver has been a quality team offensively, ranking eighth in the NBA in points per game, but has struggled mightily on the defensive end, giving up 105.8 points per contest.

The Nuggets’ main concern is that they lack players who can contribute on both ends of the floor. However, one individual who has been able to excel both offensively and defensively is J.J. Hickson, who is averaging 15.1 points per 36 minutes and is fifth on the team in defensive rating.

Hickson continues to put up big numbers for the Nuggets in 2014-15, yet he has failed to see significant playing time (he is averaging just 18.8 minutes per game this season). Coach Brian Shaw is doing Denver a great disservice by not playing Hickson for 25-28 minutes per game and should either increase his role off the bench or find a contender willing to acquire the big man from North Carolina State.

There is no question that Shaw is underusing Hickson this season. Not only is he sixth on the team in player efficiency rating, but his total rebounding percentage of 20.43 also makes him one of the most prolific guys at grabbing boards in the league.

To put things into perspective, Kenneth Faried, who is the Nuggets' starting power forward, is averaging 15.6 PPG and 9.41 RPG and has a defensive rating inferior to Hickson's. Although Faried is a more skilled player, Hickson is capable of contributing more on the stat sheet and should be rewarded with more playing time going forward.

In addition, Hickson’s averages are not surprising given the impressive numbers he’s put up in recent years. Over the past two seasons, he has averaged 11.8 and 12.7  and 9.2 and 10.4 RPG, respectively. He has averaged double-digit points per game for three teams in his career, which is proof that he can mesh with different systems and coaches.

Hickson is clearly capable of putting up big numbers in a high-octane offense and can be counted on to shoulder a bigger workload going forward.

If there has been one concern for Hickson in 2014-15, it is that he has shot just 41.8 percent from the field even though the majority of his shots come within the key. However, he has still shot over 50 percent from the field in his career and should see his shooting mark rise back to his usual average as the season continues to progress.

Nick Wass/Associated Press

The Nuggets would have many suitors if they chose to trade Hickson to a contending team. Big men who can score and rebound are always a commodity at the deadline, and playoff hopefuls such as the Toronto Raptors, Los Angeles Clippers and Miami Heat are all currently in the bottom five in team rebounding.

All of these teams lack consistent scoring inside off the bench. Hickson would give them the player they need to strengthen their second unit and excel in the playoffs. He is by no means a good passer or outside shooter, but he can grab rebounds and put up points like few backup big men can. 

Both Toronto and Los Angeles have the combination of picks, young players and expiring contracts available to acquire him. Denver would be able to net a solid return for someone who is not being properly used and could use its third power forward, Darrell Arthur, to take over Hickson’s current role off the bench.

Arthur is currently averaging 15.6 PPG and 8.2 RPG per 36 minutes and could exceed with an increased role in Hickson’s absence. Like Hickson, Arthur is 26 years old and has reached his prime as an NBA player. The Nuggets would not have to worry about finding another power forward in the draft, especially with Kenneth Faried also on the roster.

Few players are capable of averaging a double-double over an entire season, but Hickson has proved he is gifted enough to accomplish such a great feat. If Denver and Brian Shaw are not willing to give him the opportunity to succeed, they are better off trading him to a contender and acquiring assets for their young, exciting squad.