J.J.

Hickson

“When I got the news (about the trade), I wasn’t pouting about it. It kind of feels good to be on a new team and get a fresh start, and hopefully we can build up our team to be championship contenders.” While the Kings still have a ways to go before they can be considered anything close to championship contenders, Sacramento does possess a promising young group of talent that is bolstered immensely with Hickson’s addition. The power forward averaged 16.9 points and 10.8 rebounds per game after the All-Star break in 2010-11.

We’re not sure the term ‘frontrunner’ applies here, and while both teams theoretically seem like decent enough landing spots for an athletic big -- realize that Hickson is pretty awful right now. Though the Warriors are gaining a reputation for taking other teams’ trash and giving them heavy minutes, there’s still nowhere near enough for an add right now.

This is actually a best-case scenario for Hickson because he will compete only with Andris Biedrins and raw, virginal rookie Jeremy Tyler for minutes. And knowing the way the Warriors front office likes to triple-down on their acquisitions by playing them heavy minutes, regardless of the wisdom, there’s a real chance an underperforming player like Hickson could be force-fed into fantasy value. The risks are real, but he is a speculative add/stash play for owners who can keep their expectations in check while hunting upside.

Hickson has an expiring contract and has missed nine of the last 10 games due to a back injury. The Kings tried to trade him at the deadline and found no takers. Hickson certainly has upside as a 23-year-old 6'9/250 power forward and may not make it through waivers. The Celtics and Heat are among teams that could take a flier. However, the fact that the rebuilding Kings wanted nothing to do with a guy they gave up a first-round pick for back in June speaks volumes. We wouldn’t expect Hickson to land as a starter anywhere.

The Celtics seemed like a natural fit as they have roster space available and a desperate situation in the frontcourt. It’s unclear if Hickson expects to be claimed off waivers or if he’ll choose his own destination via free agency. Either way, the fact that the lowly Kings gave up on a talented 23-year-old with size is a very bad sign.

This won’t change the pecking order in Portland too much, but if Przybilla ever succumbs to the knee injury then J.J. Hickson will be locked into heavy minutes the rest of the way.

If this is what Hickson’s off-nights look like we’re totally fine with it. He should be in most lineups going forward, despite the pedestrian result.

This is being reported by multiple news outlets, as Sacramento apparently isn’t happy with Hickson’s progress, or lack thereof, since they traded Omri Casspi to acquire him. If they do find a taker for Hickson, expect Jason Thompson and Chuck Hayes to each pick up extra playing time.

Hickson was spotted on crutches after Thursday’s game and the injury won’t help the Kings’ efforts to trade their underperforming PF. Jason Thompson and Chuck Hayes will step into larger roles in Hickson’s absence.

Hickson is said to have a back contusion and will not travel to L.A. for Friday’s game. He is currently playing a bit role for the Kings and has no fantasy value.