The Nuggets seemed to come to a good number and with just a three-year deal it's a good one for both sides. These numbers are not perfect, as they are from last season and not career, but last season is a good example of what all three guys above are capable of.
Consider than Koufos will likely be a backup now in Memphis and Hickson should see a drop-off in minutes from the 29 he averaged in 80 games last season. He can also provide some insurance for Arthur who played in 59 games last season and is coming off his Achilles injury. Also, consider that Hickson had some pretty big games against the Nuggets last season. In Denver's four games against Portland - check out how Hickson played versus Koufos. Again, this isn't a perfect indicator as to who Hickson is a player, but he did play well against a win team with a good defender Koufos covering him for most of the nights Portland was just in those games.
Hickson averaged better than his season numbers against Denver. He averaged Koufos averaged his regular season numbers against Portland with 8 points and 7 rebounds.
The biggest issue with Hickson is his defensive focus. Hickson has good court instincts as he's an active rebounder, good finisher, and very capable shot blocker. It will be up to Brian Shaw and his staff to get the most out of Hickson on defense.
If Hunt sticks on Shaw's staff that'd be a nice bonus to have someone familiar with his game in town. The Nuggets have a lot of work to do on the defensive end and Hickson will be no different.
How he's able to progress in the pick-and-roll and with help defense will be key for the Nuggets finding defensive success. At just 24 years-old, Hickson can still get a lot better. Even having Arthur mentor him on the defensive side should be a bonus, as well. Realizing this, he used a plethora of ball fakes and pivot moves to draw opposing defenders up in the air. The North Carolina State recruit is not the strongest defender at the moment, although he has the makeup of a good defender in the future with the proper coaching.
Look for Hickson to make an immediate impact for the Wolfpack next season, even though they already have Brandon Costner and Ben McCauley in the post. YES, he is that good. Give me a self evaluation of how you felt you played? Hickson: I think I played real well. I think I showcased my talents and what I can do, as well as what I need help on.
He knows what a team has to put together to get there. How have you been able to extend your shooting range so much in such a short period of time? Hickson: Just a lot of hard work in the gym. I shoot endless shots in the gym working on my 18 footer. Just catching the ball, taking my time, and working on proper mechanics. Just working hard at it. DraftExpress: Has Coach Lowe spoken with you specifically about what your role is going to be next year, with you having Brandon Costner and Ben McCauley playing similar positions?
DraftExpress: What are your thoughts on the way the summer camp circuit has changed? Nike appeared to be the only camp, but now Reebok has announced that they will be holding a summer camp as well. I like it better with three camps because you have more kids who can go and make a name for themselves, so I like three camps better.
As a ball player, I would like to see high school players be able to go right to the league. You have to look at the other side of it. DraftExpress: With you choosing NC State, were you looking for a school that you would have the opportunity to be one and done at? Hickson: That could be a possibility.
DraftExpress: Ohio State or Florida? Hickson: Florida. DraftExpress: Tell me about the pressure that you receive as an elite player to play in their respective all-star games and camps?
Hickson: Because the best players are going to be here. His face the basket game has improved leaps and bounds over the last year. His improving perimeter game in addition to his solid low post skills, great body, and good athleticism should allow him to contribute immediately next year at North Carolina State, despite their already loaded frontcourt. Jonathan Givony DraftExpress. His body is much better, his perimeter game has evolved, and he seems to have quite a bit more purpose in the way he conducts himself on the floor.
He really did a nice job showing all of these things together in the 16 minutes he played, but especially in the three days of practice our colleague Rodger Bohn was at. Hickson put the ball on the floor to create his own shot, knocked down a 16 foot jumper, used his body extraordinary well in the post, and finished effectively around the basket, particularly after grabbing offensive rebounds.
Sidney Lowe already has two outstanding post players to work with, and his rotation just appears to have gotten that much deeper with the addition of a true back to the basket threat. He continued to battle with Patrick Patterson in the paint, and showed the ability to finish at the rim with either hand. Hickson rebounded the ball well, while playing solid positional defense in the post.
He has been one of the most consistent players here on the week, and should have a solid performance in the game Wednesday night due to his athleticism and ability to finish inside. However, his success in Cleveland was short-lived. He became somewhat of a forgotten entity for a while. Due to the lockout, he hardly played any games in Sacramento before being waived and picked up by the Portland Trail Blazers , where he would finish the remaining 19 games of the season.
His time in Portland proved what myself and many others believed. That ship had long sailed at this point. However, he was only 23 at the time and then averaged This is when LaMarcus Aldridge was not yet commonly known as the overrated shot-chucker he is viewed as today and Damian Lillard was just starting out. Hickson then signed with the Denver Nuggets the following year and after a solid start to the season — averaging ACL injuries have ruined careers in professional sports many times before and Hickson was another victim of an untimely and unfortunate event.
He never would return the caliber player that he was before. The athleticism and power that once defined him, was now lost. Whether or not Hickson plans to make a return to the NBA is to be determined.
But one thing I do know is this: Hickson will always be my first hot take gone cold. Have a suggestion for a future theme week?
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