J.J. Hickson: Why He's a Good Pickup for the Sacramento Kings

The Sacramento Kings franchise is desperately trying to secure support for a new arena—that’s hard to do when your team has been putrid.

GM Geoff Petrie has been wheeling and dealing to rework the Kings’ roster in hopes of reinventing their image.

It began with drafting Jimmer Fredette, and it continues with the acquisition of the enigmatic J.J Hickson from Cleveland. Here is why we think this is a good move for the Kings.

Scoring

Hickson’s offensive game has been evolving nicely.

He has improved on his scoring average about four PPG each year during his first three seasons, averaging a career high of 13.8 PPG last year in only 28 minutes of playing time per game.

He will be a nice inside option for Tyreke Evans. 

Rebounding

Like his scoring, Hickson’s rebounding averages have also jumped to an 8.7 RPG last year.

When motivated, he provides a solid presence on both offensive and defensive glass.

Defense

Paired with DeMarcus Cousins, Hickson will showcase a young and athletic defensive front that, while raw, provides tremendous upside.

Again, Hickson needs to be pushed by Coach Paul Westphal in order to unleash that freakish athleticism.

Losing Casspi

Omri Casspi has turned himself into a competent three-point shooter who has a good chance of starting for Cleveland.

This fan favorite from Sacramento provides a better fit for Cleveland and their needs than Hickson, who would have lost playing time to the highly touted Tristan Thompson. 

Conclusion

Unlike so many NBA trades, this one actually makes sense.

The Kings needed a power forward which the Cavs did not, and the Cavs need a small forward, which the Kings did not.

Hickson hopefully will add another piece in rebuilding of the Kings’ monarchy.

It would be a shame if we didn’t get to see how this trade panned out this coming year with a lockout looming.