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J.J. Hickson | Center/Forward

Team: Portland Trail Blazers
Age / DOB:  (24) / 9/4/1988
Ht / Wt:  6'9' / 239
College: North Carolina State Univ
Contract: view contract details
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Latest News

Recent News

J.J. Hickson said he would prefer to play power forward instead of center next season.
Hickson played out of position at center for the Blazers this year and GM Neil Olshey admitted Hickson wasn't the rim-protector Portland needed. With Portland already boasting LaMarcus Aldridge at the four, it seems likely Hickson will take his talents elsewhere in free agency this summer. Still, considering that Hickson averaged 12.9 points on 56.8 percent shooting, 10.5 rebounds, 0.6 steals and 0.7 blocks in just 29 minutes per game, we expect he'll have a length list of suitors. Apr 18 - 2:25 PM

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Player News

Date:

J.J. Hickson, who recently received a vote of no-confidence from GM Neil Olshey, finished Sunday's loss with 19 points, nine rebounds and a career-high six assists.

Hickson knocked down 7-of-16 FGs and 5-of-6 FTs, and it's hard to fault his numbers in 29 minutes per game this year -- 12.9 points on 56.8 percent shooting, 10.5 rebounds, 0.6 steals and 0.7 blocks. Olshey acknowledged that Hickson isn't a natural rim-protector and he's playing out of position at center, and we expect a long queue for his services as a free agent this summer.
Apr 14 - 8:25 PM

J.J. Hickson returned from a back injury on Friday, playing just 13 minutes for seven points and seven boards vs. Oklahoma City.

He doesn't appear to be back to 100 percent and the Blazers might wind up sitting him on Sunday. His owners will want to check back for updates and Hickson is someone that is a cut candidate at this late point of the season.
Apr 13 - 2:05 AM

J.J. Hickson (back) and LaMarcus Aldridge (illness) will play in Friday's game against the Thunder, but Wes Matthews (ankle) and Nicolas Batum (shoulder) will not.

Credit Hickson for not just packing it in. He's an unrestricted free agent playing for a team that has been eliminated from the playoffs, but he's going to fight through his injury. Hickson has missed just two games all year. Look for the Blazers to start Damien Lillard, Will Barton, Victor Claver, Hickson and Aldridge Friday night.
Apr 12 - 2:25 PM

J.J. Hickson (back) and Nicolas Batum (shoulder) both went through light workouts at practice Thursday.

Hickson and Batum both missed Wednesday night's game and are slated to be re-evaluated tomorrow in advance of Friday night's game against the Thunder. With the Blazers' season essentially over, it's definitely possible both players will sit out the Blazers' remaining four games. Check back Friday morning to see if either player will be able to go against OKC. If both are sidelined, Victor Claver would likely start for Batum while Meyers Leonard would start at center.

J.J. Hickson will not play on Wednesday night due to a sore lower back.

Meyers Leonard will start in his place, while it's interesting that Hickson didn't miss a game all season until rumors came out that he was not likely to return to the Blazers next season. It doesn't really matter what the problem is, as fantasy owners are not going to be able to use him tonight. Check back on his status going forward, as this is an injury/situation that could linger the rest of the way.
Apr 10 - 8:51 PM

J.J. Hickson (back spasms) is considered a game-time decision against the Lakers on Wednesday night.

Hickson hasn't missed a game all season but the back injury popped up Tuesday afternoon. With the Blazers firmly out of the playoff chase and Hickson approaching free agency, there's not a ton of incentive for Hickson to push through the pain. We should know more after pregame warmups. Meyers Leonard would likely start if Hickson can't play.
Apr 10 - 2:19 PM

J.J. Hickson is not expected to re-sign with the Blazers after the season.

"For us to make a jump next season, JJ can’t be our starting center,’’ GM Neil Olshey said. "I’m not saying he can’t be part of the roster. But we need to find a starting-caliber center who protects the rim and gets defensive rebounds at a high rate and that has a presence." The Blazers give up an eye-popping 47.4 points in the point per game, and they desperately need a rim protector alongside LaMarcus Aldridge. Hickson will be looking to command a multi-year deal in free agency.
Apr 10 - 8:18 AM

J.J. Hickson (back) is questionable and Wesley Matthews (ankle) is out for Wednesday's game against the Lakers.

Hickson's injury is new as he hasn't missed a game since November. He's dealing with a sore lower back, and there isn't much incentive for him to push through discomfort at this point. Hickson is an impending unrestricted free agent and the Blazers are out of the playoff race. Meyers Leonard would likely start next to LaMarcus Aldridge if Hickson sits.
Apr 9 - 3:20 PM

J.J. Hickson, who scored seven points on Monday, finished Wednesday's lopsided defeat with 17 points on 8-of-12 shooting, nine rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block.

Hickson's playing time tends to hover below 30 minutes per game, which leads to some erratic nights, but the biggest blow to his fantasy value is an appalling lack of shot blocking -- in Portland's last 13 games, Hickson has a grand total of three blocks. His double-double potential tends to jump off the page, but owners should remember the numbers above on draft day next year.
Apr 4 - 1:06 AM

J.J. Hickson played on Friday despite an illness, scoring 17 points on 8-of-11 shooting with 14 rebounds and two assists.

With LaMarcus Aldridge (day-to-day) set to miss some time he should be good for a double-double and some upside every night.
Mar 30 - 3:22 AM

J.J. Hickson (illness) will play Friday night against the Jazz.

Hickson missed practice Thursday with the ailment but will be needed against Utah's massive frontcourt, especially with LaMarcus Aldridge (sprained ankle) doubtful to play. Assuming Hickson is over whatever was ailing him, he should be in for a heavy load if Aldridge sits. Owners will want to make sure he's in their lineups tonight.
Mar 29 - 2:18 PM

J.J. Hickson (illness) and LaMarcus Aldridge (ankle) are both questionable to play on Friday against the Jazz.

This is a game with playoff implications in a crowded Western Conference, and the Jazz have an opportunity to pull back into the picture with a win. If the Blazers are without Aldridge and Hickson, it's going to be tough sledding for Portland. If both guys sit out, Meyers Leonard and Luke Babbitt could move into the starting lineup, with starters Damian Lillard, Wes Matthews and Nicolas Batum being asked to carry the load.

J.J. Hickson missed practice Thursday with an illness and his status for Friday's game is uncertain.

It sounds like the Blazers won't know whether Hickson can go Friday until they see how he rebounds from the illness. LaMarcus Aldridge (sprained ankle) is already questionable for tomorrow night. If both Aldridge and Hickson are unable to go, Meyers Leonard would be in line for a lot of minutes. We should get a much clearer definition of both players' statuses after shootaround tomorrow.
Mar 28 - 4:12 PM

J.J. Hickson grabbed a career-high 21 boards against the Bulls on Thursday, adding nine points and one steal in 34 minutes.

His old career high also came against the Bulls and he almost accounted for half of Portland's 45 boards. Hickson jumped up to fifth in the league in total rebounds and he also ranks fifth in double-doubles. He should be active in all standard lineups.
Mar 21 - 10:31 PM

Depth Charts

All Positions
PosRoleName
PG1Damian Lillard
2Eric Maynor
3Nolan Smith
SG1Wesley Matthews
2Will Barton
3Elliot Williams
SF1Nicolas Batum
2Victor Claver
3Sasha Pavlovic
4Luke Babbitt
PF1LaMarcus Aldridge
C1J.J. Hickson
2Meyers Leonard
3Joel Freeland