J.J. Hickson: A Man On The Rise

Since the day i saw J.J. Hickson play at North Carolina State i knew then he would be a star in the NBA.

As a freshman he averaged 14.8 ppg and 8.5 rebounds leading all freshman while shooting a high percentage 59% from the field.

He was drafted in the 2008 draft 19th overall by the Cavs. The Cavs drafted him in hopes of him being an athletic forward for them who can block shots and score. Unfortunately a back injury cut his season short.

In the offseason he was mentored by Lebron James working out shooting advice on life and ways to improve his game.

He is a active body always on the glass and a high leaper known for blocking shots while at North Carolina State.

The important thing about Hickson is he gives teams a different look then Anderson Varejao who is a energy player but has problems producing points.

So recently about 2 or 3 games ago Mike Brown inserted him in the starting line up in hopes of him being what they want him to be an athletic scoring forward. Well that move is starting to pay dividends.

Last night against Miami he scored 18 points and was a big help in the beginning of the fourth quarter where he helped give Lebron a rest by scoring 3 times. More importantly with Z and Andy not having good nights he picked up the slack.

The hope is with Hickson starting and getting minutes now it will pay off come playoff time because Z and Shaqs body prevent them from playing pick and roll defense at all.

It seemed as though a lot of people were quick to label him a bust but its known big men take about 1-2 years to adjust to the NBA game.

I know its too quick to predict him to be an all star player for years to come but if i had to bet money on it i would.

Hickson has loads of potential and as of now i see no ceiling for him. I know potential is never a guarantee but i think his hard work will pay off.