Hickson's defense sucks

[magnifier661]

But his offense is damn good, IMO. And the one thing that really gets me giddy is teams must play 5 on 5. No more cheating off the center to double the PG or Aldridge.

As much as I hate seeing how badly Hickson is on the defensive end; that scoring sure helps open things up for Lillard and Aldridge.

If Hickson could just set better picks. This goes for Aldridge too. I just don't know why it's so hard for our bigs to stand their ground and knock the other guard on their ass!

 

[HailBlazers]

Had two blocks last night. His D would suffice if he was playing the 4, or in the second unit. Wish we could functionally retain him, he's been a savior this year.

 

[Nikolokolus]

His offense isn't that good and no he hasn't been a "savior"

Lordie.

 

[HailBlazers]

Without Hicks dirty work, we are not close to .500 this year.

 

[Mediocre Man]

Had two blocks last night. His D would suffice if he was playing the 4, or in the second unit. Wish we could functionally retain him, he's been a savior this year.

No it would not. JJ Hickson has always been a very sub par defender.

 

[BlazerCaravan]

Defense and Offense form a whole of performance: shots you stop + shots you make = your overall worth. Hickson could be replaced by someone half as good on offense if they were twice as good on defense, and nobody would miss him. Replace him with someone as good on offense and twice as good on defense, and we're improving big-time.

 

[BlazerCaravan]

Without Hicks dirty work, we are not close to .500 this year.

Agreed, but other players could do the same in that situation. What he brings is not necessarily priceless.

 

[Mediocre Man]

Without Hicks dirty work, we are not close to .500 this year.

Would we really?

Hickson on/off court stats

Net Points per 100 Possessions
On court -2.2
Off court -2.0
Net -0.2

Net Points
On court -76
Off court -8
Net -68

Total Rebounding
On court 50.1%
Off court 50.9%
Net -0.8%

That being said, he has been better statistically than Leonard, who is next, but if Leonard had had the opportunity to play as much would he be better in the areas we need him to be? Maybe

 

[HailBlazers]

Hickson has consistently been the X-Factor of this team. For example, last night without his garbage points and all out hustle we don't even get a shot at a comeback. Stats don't tell the whole story with him, he's the consummate hustle guy that infects the entire team.

 

[Mediocre Man]

Hickson has consistently been the X-Factor of this team. For example, last night without his garbage points and all out hustle we don't even get a shot at a comeback. Stats don't tell the whole story with him, he's the consummate hustle guy that infects the entire team.

You realize the comeback happened with JJ on the bench, right?

Babbitt came in and cleaned up all of the piss poor defensive rotations JJ was making all game

 

[magnifier661]

You realize the comeback happened with JJ on the bench, right?

Yes but in the first half, if Hickson and Aldridge didn't score as efficiently as they did; there would be no talk of comeback.

 

[Mediocre Man]

Yes but in the first half, if Hickson and Aldridge didn't score as efficiently as they did; there would be no talk of comeback.

But in the first half, if Hickson doesn't allow the Mavs to score at will due to poor rotations, there might not be a need for a comeback?

 

[HailBlazers]

Yes but in the first half, if Hickson and Aldridge didn't score as efficiently as they did; there would be no talk of comeback.

Seriously.

26 Points 15 Rebounds 9-13FG 8-8FT 2BLKS

Would make the perfect second string 4 IMO.

 

[magnifier661]

But in the first half, if Hickson doesn't allow the Mavs to score at will due to poor rotations, there might not be a need for a comeback?

I think the first half woes had more to do with Batum, Matthews and Lillard having less than 20% shooting.

 

[BlazerCaravan]

IF Hickson is okay with being our super-sub, and won't pout... I am TOTALLY OK with him staying. While part of our need is improving the bench (which this does), another is improving our Center play. If Hickson needs to start, well, we're not trading LMA to keep him as a PF.

 

[HailBlazers]

IF Hickson is okay with being our super-sub, and won't pout... I am TOTALLY OK with him staying. While part of our need is improving the bench (which this does), another is improving our Center play. If Hickson needs to start, well, we're not trading LMA to keep him as a PF.

Well said. Hickson likes Portland, the city and his teammates. If, big IF, we can make the money work (for both parties) I think he'll except the super-sub role.

 

[magnifier661]

I will add the insider scouting report on Hickson. Keep in mind that this was made before the season started; so I don't know how much has changed. I would actually agree on everything it states though.

Scouting report
+ Versatile big man who can finish at rim. Takes too many jumpers.
+ Solid athlete but hugely mistake-prone on defense. Overmatched as a center.
+ Has poor instincts at both ends. Very good rebounder. Improved left hand.

Analysis
Hickson washed out in Sacramento and became part of the Kings' annual midseason yard sale, but he played much better after Portland scooped him up off waivers. Unfortunately, his proclivity for midrange jumpers that don't find the basket remains intact. Hickson tried 144 between the two locales and made only 29.9 percent of them, accounting for more than a third of his shot attempts.

He is pretty good inside 10 feet, and his finishing ability around the basket allowed him to average a solid 14.5 points per 40 minutes. Hickson rebounds very well, finishing at the league average for centers despite being badly outsized at 6-9.

And let's applaud his improving instincts with the ball. After having one of the worst pure point ratings in basketball in 2011-12, Hickson nearly hit the average for centers last season.

Despite good size for a 4 and decent athleticism, Hickson still struggles mightily at the defensive end. This is partly a result of playing out of position at center so much, but the data has been brutal on this front his entire career. According to 82games.com, opposing power forwards had an 18.2 PER against him in Sacramento and a 17.9 mark in Portland. The Blazers also gave up dramatically more points with him on the court, although this didn't happen in Sacramento. Given how bad his data was in Cleveland, this suggests mild improvement at best.

Optimists will point out that at least he is a solid rebounder and doesn't foul.

 

[Mediocre Man]

Well said. Hickson likes Portland, the city and his teammates. If, big IF, we can make the money work (for both parties) I think he'll except the super-sub role.

Oh ya, I'm totally on board with Hickson playing back up 4 at 4 mm a year. Renounce him, go for a big score in FA or via trade, and if that doesn't work then re-sign him for 4mm. But absolutely do not use our cap room to sign him before exploring many other potions

 

[magnifier661]

Oh ya, I'm totally on board with Hickson playing back up 4 at 4 mm a year. Renounce him, go for a big score in FA or via trade, and if that doesn't work then re-sign him for 4mm. But absolutely do not use our cap room to sign him before exploring many other potions

I am on board too. But if Hickson demands anything like 8-9 mil per; then it's insane to pay that amount for a back up PF/C.

 

[Boob-No-More]

Would we really?

Hickson on/off court stats

Net Points per 100 Possessions
On court -2.2
Off court -2.0
Net -0.2

Net Points
On court -76
Off court -8
Net -68

Total Rebounding
On court 50.1%
Off court 50.9%
Net -0.8%

That being said, he has been better statistically than Leonard, who is next, but if Leonard had had the opportunity to play as much would he be better in the areas we need him to be? Maybe

What that tells me is the 6'9" guy we got on a cheap contract is holding his own playing out of position against other starting centers. Not sure how you can find fault with that. He has exceeded all expectations. He's the 5th option on offense, yet averages a double-double.

Yes, he has trouble guarding taller players, but rebounding is also part of defense. Even though he averages less than 30 MPG (the least of all our starters), Hickson is 7th in the league in offensive rebounds, 8th in defensive rebounds, 6th in total rebounds and 6th in RPG.

What's even more impressive are his rebound percentages. He's 6th in ORB%, 4th in DRB% and 4th in TRB%. Hickson is an elite level rebounder - and that's that's what this team needs. We'd be getting killed on the boards without him.

He's also 7th in the league in FG%. As the 5th option, the team doesn't run many plays for him. He gets most of his points off offensive rebounds and broken plays.

Do we need an upgrade at starting center? Definitely. We need someone bigger who is a better defender. Hopefully, Meyers Leonard can become that guy, but he's not there now, not even close. Hickson is a great stop gap, temporary solution. It's really hard to assemble an entire staring line-up of above average players. If your 5th best starter manages to hold his own, that's pretty damn good.

And yes, we wouldn't be close to .500 without Hickson right now. Remove him from the starting line-up and our starting line-up would be much worse. And, promoting Meyers Leonard to starting center makes the worst bench in NBA history even worse.

I don't know if we can, but I'd love to keep Hickson. I now that isn't the popular stance round here, but I don't think we're going to get anyone better for less money. He's not a star, but he's a great hustle guy and a great role player. He scores efficiently and is an elite rebounder. That's not bad for your 5th starter, but would be better if he eventually comes off the bench to back up both the 4 and 5 (when Leonard is ready to start). If he can hold his own against other starting centers, just imagine how he would destroy back-up 4 and 5s.

BNM

 

[Boob-No-More]

Oh ya, I'm totally on board with Hickson playing back up 4 at 4 mm a year. Renounce him, go for a big score in FA or via trade, and if that doesn't work then re-sign him for 4mm. But absolutely do not use our cap room to sign him before exploring many other potions

We won't be able to get Hickson again for $4 million per year. His market value is much higher than that based on his play this season. He's one of only nine guys averaging a double-double.

BNM

 

[magnifier661]

We won't be able to get Hickson again for $4 million per year. His market value is much higher than that based on his play this season. He's one of only nine guys averaging a double-double.

BNM

I think this is why many think keeping him is pretty impossible.

 

[The_Lillard_King]

You realize the comeback happened with JJ on the bench, right?

Babbitt came in and cleaned up all of the piss poor defensive rotations JJ was making all game

Is that what you really think?

Stotts clearly uses Babbit for offense and Hickson for defense.

I'm not the biggest Hickson supporter here, but to say Babbit is a better defender seems more like Hickson hate.

 

[Mediocre Man]

We won't be able to get Hickson again for $4 million per year. His market value is much higher than that based on his play this season. He's one of only nine guys averaging a double-double.

BNM

I know this. Nice to meet you, my name is choir

 

[Mediocre Man]

Is that what you really think?

Stotts clearly uses Babbit for offense and Hickson for defense.

I'm not the biggest Hickson supporter here, but to say Babbit is a better defender seems more like Hickson hate.

Do you have the game on tape?

Listen and the Mikes say the same thing. Babbitt came in and cleaned up Hickson's poor rotations on the P&R

 

[magnifier661]

Do you have the game on tape?

Listen and the Mikes say the same thing. Babbitt came in and cleaned up Hickson's poor rotations on the P&R

I don't give a shit what anyone says. Babbitt is worse than Hickson on the defensive end. And the only reason why he is in the game is to stretch the defense because of his outside shot, not his offense or defense.

 

[Boob-No-More]

I am on board too. But if Hickson demands anything like 8-9 mil per; then it's insane to pay that amount for a back up PF/C.

But, if we resign him, he won't be our back-up PF/C immediately. He will continue to start until Meyers Leonard is ready to assume the starting role a year or to down the road. You guys have seen Meyers Leonard play haven't you? I love the kid's energy, attitude and potential (based on his size and athleticism), but I don't know if I've ever seen anyone less ready to be an NBA starter. The kid is RAW, very, very RAW. He needs time to develop, a LOT of time.

Unless we miss the play-offs and get lucky in the lottery, we're not going to get a better big man than Hickson for less money. And, even if we do get lucky in the lottery, we'd probably end up with a young kid that's no more ready to start than Meyers Leonard.

For all those on this board who want to dump Hickson, I have yet to see anyone offer an example of a better big man we could get for less money. Be real folks, we aren't getting Dwight Howard no matter how much cap space we have. Portland just isn't a mecca for attracting top tier free agents. We couldn't even get Roy Fucking Hibbert to come here. What practical options are there that would be better than J.J. Hickson, either short term or long term?

Pay the man his $8 - $9 million and be happy. Use the rest of the cap space and our 1st round pick to strengthen our anemic bench. Continue to develop Meyers Leonard and move him into the starting line-up when he's ready. At that point, Hickson becomes the perfect 6th man backing up both front court positions.

Due to Hickson's ability to veto any trade, and forfeit his Bird Rights if he does, there's no way were moving him before the trade line. So, stop fantasizing about it happening. Accept what we have and embrace it. Hickson is here for the rest of the season, and hopefully beyond.

BNM

 

[The_Lillard_King]

Do you have the game on tape?

Listen and the Mikes say the same thing. Babbitt came in and cleaned up Hickson's poor rotations on the P&R

You seem to use Stott's decision making about Leonard's playing time to prove your point about the effectiveness of him. Doesn't the same hold true for how Stotts uses Babbit and and Leonard. In the 4th quater he puts Hickson in for defesive stops and Babbit in for offenseive possessions.

I was at the game so don't know what Mike and Mike said, but just to be clear, you think Babbit is a better defender than Hickson?

 

[The_Lillard_King]

There were many people on this board saying Blazers should not match for Batum because he would be overpaid and not worth it . . .

 

[magnifier661]

But, if we resign him, he won't be our back-up PF/C immediately. He will continue to start until Meyers Leonard is ready to assume the starting role a year or to down the road. You guys have seen Meyers Leonard play haven't you? I love the kid's energy, attitude and potential (based on his size and athleticism), but I don't know if I've ever seen anyone less ready to be an NBA starter. The kid is RAW, very, very RAW. He needs time to develop, a LOT of time.

Unless we miss the play-offs and get lucky in the lottery, we're not going to get a better big man than Hickson for less money. And, even if we do get lucky in the lottery, we'd probably end up with a young kid that's no more ready to start than Meyers Leonard.

For all those on this board who want to dump Hickson, I have yet to see anyone offer an example of a better big man we could get for less money. Be real folks, we aren't getting Dwight Howard no matter how much cap space we have. Portland just isn't a mecca for attracting top tier free agents. We couldn't even get Roy Fucking Hibbert to come here. What practical options are there that would be better than J.J. Hickson, either short term or long term?

Pay the man his $8 - $9 million and be happy. Use the rest of the cap space and our 1st round pick to strengthen our anemic bench. Continue to develop Meyers Leonard and move him into the starting line-up when he's ready. At that point, Hickson becomes the perfect 6th man backing up both front court positions.

Due to Hickson's ability to veto any trade, and forfeit his Bird Rights if he does, there's no way were moving him before the trade line. So, stop fantasizing about it happening. Accept what we have and embrace it. Hickson is here for the rest of the season, and hopefully beyond.

BNM

I agree with you BNM.

I was hoping for the resign, then with picks or retention of maybe E will will put us over cap. Then we will have Max MLE (5-6 million) to offer JJ Reddick.