J.J. Hickson vs. DeAndre Jordan

[SportsTicker]

When I first saw Dave D's list of Monday's workout participants, I thought he might be working from an old list. After all, Hickson worked out for the Nets last Thursday. With the scheduling difficulties, I figured it was possible the list hadn't been updated.

Turns out I was wrong. Hickson is coming back for a second workout...and they have thrown up up against DeAndre Jordan, who has him by two or three inches and is the consensus choice for the Nets at #10. Add to that Gregg Polinsky's pretty stunning comments about Hickson the other day:

“A guy that has an NBA body right now. Has good lower body strength and good hands. He showed that he is an effective scored over both shoulders today. He runs court well. Did not hurt himself as a potential lottery pick or somewhere in the first round before 20 with his workout today.”

Put it all together and you reach only one conclusion: we had better start paying a lot more attention to Mr. Hickson.

 

[Kid Chocolate]

I love it. Hickson's the f'n man.

 

[GMJ]

Hickson is going to eat Jordan alive. As for the quote about him being in the lottery, well I like him, but not at 10

 

[AGGiE]

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[GMJ]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (AGGiE @ Jun 14 2008, 08:24 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div><object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value=""></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350" /></embed></object></div></div>

This guy looks like he could come in and be the most active guy in the post. I really like this guy's tenacity in the paint, and his footwork (especially those spin moves) looked very impressive. It reminds me of watching Big Baby last year, although JJ has the physical tools to really excell.

 

[Claud]

Not bad at all. If we draft he could probably play PF next year for us. Like that would happen..haha

 

[Dumpy]

Nice work, ni.

I don't know hwo Greg Polinsky is. After which workout did he say that about Hickson?

BTW, I wouldn't mind the nets selecting S.G. J.R. Giddens in the second round. I've never seen him, but he has put up some terrific numbers, was once a top prospect, and has an interesting history.

 

[SportsTicker]

Polinsky is the Nets' chief scout...has a high profile this spring. Each of the post workout notes on njnets.com has comments from him and in some cases from Kiki. Reading both, I can tell you his are the more revealing.

Hickson is getting a shot because of the Nets' softness defending the post. He is a big guy with great athleticism and toughness, even though he won't turn 20 til training camp. That's why the Nets chose him to go against Jordan.

I am beginning to think the Nets would be willing to go with Gallinari and Hickson, and a young Euro at #40...if they keep them all.

 

[Kid Chocolate]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Dumpy @ Jun 14 2008, 08:36 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Nice work, ni.

I don't know hwo Greg Polinsky is. After which workout did he say that about Hickson?

BTW, I wouldn't mind the nets selecting S.G. J.R. Giddens in the second round. I've never seen him, but he has put up some terrific numbers, was once a top prospect, and has an interesting history.</div>

if giddens lasts until the 2nd, he's a steal. he's a guy who has legit first round talent.

 

[soul driver]

I'd be happy with Gallanri at 10 and Hickson at 21. As a matter of fact, I think that's our two best options at this point.

 

[logik15]

galinari at 10 and hickson at 21.... i love it... #40 can go to a one of the sleepers/shooter in my other post... brambaugh(tho he's not a guard), billy walker (sg/sf), or lester hudson(guard). i'd prolly take hudson at 40 if he's still there... if not take a euro. also take julius hodge who has been working hard with the nets. lol this probably won't work out because this will cause us to have 4 new faces.. diop would prolly return to dallas. possibly boki somewhere else as well.

I think we could also take joe alexander instead of galinari as alexander seems like a player just as good as boki, but probably has more potential than boki to rise due to his crazy athleticism.

we can also trade like marcus / sign and trade boki / swift(expriing) / krstic for someone like chris wilcox. I think seattle could use those extra pieces

if we do stash a euro and can't get hudson or a decent backup pg... i say we use our MLE and try and go for someone like dooling again.

harris / hudson or dooling
carter / hodge / ager
jefferson / alexander / hassell
hickson / williams
wilcox / boone

 

[J-HoAgZ]

We have way too many undersized bigs to just draft another one. But, I think Hickson could be somethin special. I love this kid (no homo) and I would love to take him at #21. Problem is, that probably means we take Gallinari at #10 and I don't really like him too much and we are still in need of some shooters and a legit big Center. Hickson doesn't really address any needs but this kid is a beast and we shouldn't pass up on him. He's still young and can grow also. BPA is what Kiki and Thorn have been preeching so we'll see.

 

[Dumpy]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (NetIncome @ Jun 14 2008, 08:00 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Polinsky is the Nets' chief scout...has a high profile this spring. Each of the post workout notes on njnets.com has comments from him and in some cases from Kiki. Reading both, I can tell you his are the more revealing.

Hickson is getting a shot because of the Nets' softness defending the post. He is a big guy with great athleticism and toughness, even though he won't turn 20 til training camp. That's why the Nets chose him to go against Jordan.

I am beginning to think the Nets would be willing to go with Gallinari and Hickson, and a young Euro at #40...if they keep them all.</div>

Thanks. Gallinari sounds like a set-up to me--a distraction. Even Kiki admits that he can't play defense. If they take him, it'll be just one more example of acquiring or drafting a player that can't or won't achieve Coach Frank's primary objectives, and he'll end up inactive for three quarters of the year. If the nets ultimately let Boki walk, I'll take it as a sign that they are trying to become more attuned to filling the roster with players that fit Coach Frank's "system"--rule number one, play defense or you sit. If they then draft Gallinari, well, it'll be a step back, and I don't see that there is necessarily any improvement. What can he do that Boki can't?

 

[Astral]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Dumpy @ Jun 14 2008, 09:40 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (NetIncome @ Jun 14 2008, 08:00 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Polinsky is the Nets' chief scout...has a high profile this spring. Each of the post workout notes on njnets.com has comments from him and in some cases from Kiki. Reading both, I can tell you his are the more revealing.

Hickson is getting a shot because of the Nets' softness defending the post. He is a big guy with great athleticism and toughness, even though he won't turn 20 til training camp. That's why the Nets chose him to go against Jordan.

I am beginning to think the Nets would be willing to go with Gallinari and Hickson, and a young Euro at #40...if they keep them all.</div>

Thanks. Gallinari sounds like a set-up to me--a distraction. Even Kiki admits that he can't play defense. If they take him, it'll be just one more example of acquiring or drafting a player that can't or won't achieve Coach Frank's primary objectives, and he'll end up inactive for three quarters of the year. If the nets ultimately let Boki walk, I'll take it as a sign that they are trying to become more attuned to filling the roster with players that fit Coach Frank's "system"--rule number one, play defense or you sit. If they then draft Gallinari, well, it'll be a step back, and I don't see that there is necessarily any improvement. What can he do that Boki can't?
</div>Gallinari's is supposed to be a point forward.

What do you think of this comparison chart? I'm no expert, but this is what I'm getting from reading reviews and watching 5 or 6 youtube videos.

 

[ghoti]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Kid Chocolate @ Jun 14 2008, 09:25 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Dumpy @ Jun 14 2008, 08:36 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Nice work, ni.

I don't know hwo Greg Polinsky is. After which workout did he say that about Hickson?

BTW, I wouldn't mind the nets selecting S.G. J.R. Giddens in the second round. I've never seen him, but he has put up some terrific numbers, was once a top prospect, and has an interesting history.</div>

if giddens lasts until the 2nd, he's a steal. he's a guy who has legit first round talent.
</div>

And he would join Paul Pierce on the NBA "All-Stabbed Team". (Go away, Skip. It says stabbed.)

 

[Dumpy]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (ghoti @ Jun 14 2008, 10:16 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Kid Chocolate @ Jun 14 2008, 09:25 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Dumpy @ Jun 14 2008, 08:36 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Nice work, ni.

I don't know hwo Greg Polinsky is. After which workout did he say that about Hickson?

BTW, I wouldn't mind the nets selecting S.G. J.R. Giddens in the second round. I've never seen him, but he has put up some terrific numbers, was once a top prospect, and has an interesting history.</div>

if giddens lasts until the 2nd, he's a steal. he's a guy who has legit first round talent.
</div>

And he would join Paul Pierce on the NBA "All-Stabbed Team". (Go away, Skip. It says stabbed.)
</div>

The Nets could add a guy who was stabbed and a guy who was shot in the same year! It's not often you can say that.

The Williamses only have emotional wounds. Who cares!

 

[Netted]

Gallinari and Hickson would be horrible. 2 players with suspect defense.

I love the fact that Hickson brings a solid post game. Westbrook and Hickson would be good. We need a player that can play right away and I think Westbrook can. When you have a solid PG (like Kidd or Harris) I've always believed you need a good combo guard that is a great defender. Especially with Carter's ability to handle the point. With a pure point back-up there is just not enough minutes and they don't develop fully.

I'm still holding out hope we can use Marcus and #40 to get a late 1st.

 

[Kid Chocolate]

Where are you getting that Hickson has "suspect defense" from?

 

[SportsTicker]

http://www.gopack.com/mediaPlayer/video.db...T_TYPE=ONDEMAND

Seems like a good kid, but watch out for his KNEES...he and Shareef Abdur Rahim are from the same high school.

 

[Netted]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Kid Chocolate @ Jun 15 2008, 01:21 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Where are you getting that Hickson has "suspect defense" from?</div>
Haven't seen one scouting report that complimented his defense or any highlights that showcased it.

I'm not saying it's bad, just "suspect" due to lack of positive comments or video evidence. I like his post game and think the Nets have a need for it.

And if it wasn't suspect I don't understand why he hasn't been near the top of the draft all along. It's not like he was playing for an obscure foreign team or Div II school. He played PF in the ACC.
Unless his true measeurements are undersized... haven't seen any official numbers on him.

 

[Kid Chocolate]

Fair enough.
Saying something is 'suspect' just has such a negative connotation.
His defense isn't particularly good, but not particularly bad, but I think that will come along, as he's very young. I just wouldn't classify his defense as a positive, but then again I wouldn't classify it as a negative.
Most of his defensive mistakes came in the team defensive aspect. I think that improves with experience. I really don't understand, myself, why he isn't a lottery pick, love the kid.

 

[pegs]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Kid Chocolate @ Jun 15 2008, 08:02 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Fair enough.
Saying something is 'suspect' just has such a negative connotation.
His defense isn't particularly good, but not particularly bad, but I think that will come along, as he's very young. I just wouldn't classify his defense as a positive, but then again I wouldn't classify it as a negative.
Most of his defensive mistakes came in the team defensive aspect. I think that improves with experience. I really don't understand, myself, why he isn't a lottery pick, love the kid.</div>

Maybe it's for the same reason that Anthony Randolph is frequently rated higher than Donte Greene?

 

[Real]

Suprised nobody is talking about DeAndre Jordan.

Yeah he's a raw 7 footer with a lot of upside.

But didn't the Lakers take a raw 7 footer with a lot of upside three years ago?

 

[Netted]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Real @ Jun 15 2008, 09:56 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Suprised nobody is talking about DeAndre Jordan.

Yeah he's a raw 7 footer with a lot of upside.

But didn't the Lakers take a raw 7 footer with a lot of upside three years ago?</div>
So did the Wizards a few years back. Not all raw 7 footers are created equal.

 

[Real]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Netted @ Jun 15 2008, 09:20 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Real @ Jun 15 2008, 09:56 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Suprised nobody is talking about DeAndre Jordan.

Yeah he's a raw 7 footer with a lot of upside.

But didn't the Lakers take a raw 7 footer with a lot of upside three years ago?</div>
So did the Wizards a few years back. Not all raw 7 footers are created equal.
</div>

It all depends on the mindset as well. Bynum was a good guy with a great work ethic. Brown is/was a knucklehead. DeAndre Jordan at least it seems to me wants to get better and is willing to put in the work to do so.

Oh BTW, they called Amare raw too. Amare just simply smiled and worked his ass off to become one of the best players in the NBA.

The Suns rolled the dice in '02 and it worked. The Lakers rolled the dice in '05 and it worked. The Nets also rolled the dice last year to many's dismay (including mine) and it worked. I won't say that DeAndre Jordan will be the next big thing, but his potental is so undeniable he's worth not writing off.

 

[Netted]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Real @ Jun 16 2008, 01:07 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Netted @ Jun 15 2008, 09:20 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Real @ Jun 15 2008, 09:56 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Suprised nobody is talking about DeAndre Jordan.

Yeah he's a raw 7 footer with a lot of upside.

But didn't the Lakers take a raw 7 footer with a lot of upside three years ago?</div>
So did the Wizards a few years back. Not all raw 7 footers are created equal.
</div>

It all depends on the mindset as well. Bynum was a good guy with a great work ethic. Brown is/was a knucklehead. DeAndre Jordan at least it seems to me wants to get better and is willing to put in the work to do so.

Oh BTW, they called Amare raw too. Amare just simply smiled and worked his ass off to become one of the best players in the NBA.

The Suns rolled the dice in '02 and it worked. The Lakers rolled the dice in '05 and it worked. The Nets also rolled the dice last year to many's dismay (including mine) and it worked. I won't say that DeAndre Jordan will be the next big thing, but his potental is so undeniable he's worth not writing off.
</div>
Amare was a beast. That was no surprise. The questions with him involved his background and whether it would translate against higher competition. If he had one year of college he would've been a Top 5 pick... unlike Jordan. Jordan keeps going down on everyones mock.

 

[Kid Chocolate]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Real @ Jun 16 2008, 01:07 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Netted @ Jun 15 2008, 09:20 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Real @ Jun 15 2008, 09:56 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Suprised nobody is talking about DeAndre Jordan.

Yeah he's a raw 7 footer with a lot of upside.

But didn't the Lakers take a raw 7 footer with a lot of upside three years ago?</div>
So did the Wizards a few years back. Not all raw 7 footers are created equal.
</div>

Bynum was a good guy with a great work ethic.
</div>

False.

 

[Real]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Kid Chocolate @ Jun 16 2008, 12:18 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Real @ Jun 16 2008, 01:07 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Netted @ Jun 15 2008, 09:20 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Real @ Jun 15 2008, 09:56 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Suprised nobody is talking about DeAndre Jordan.

Yeah he's a raw 7 footer with a lot of upside.

But didn't the Lakers take a raw 7 footer with a lot of upside three years ago?</div>
So did the Wizards a few years back. Not all raw 7 footers are created equal.
</div>

Bynum was a good guy with a great work ethic.
</div>

False.
</div>

Please. He got a whole lot better from his rookie year to this year.

 

[Kid Chocolate]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Real @ Jun 16 2008, 01:22 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Kid Chocolate @ Jun 16 2008, 12:18 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Real @ Jun 16 2008, 01:07 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Netted @ Jun 15 2008, 09:20 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Real @ Jun 15 2008, 09:56 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Suprised nobody is talking about DeAndre Jordan.

Yeah he's a raw 7 footer with a lot of upside.

But didn't the Lakers take a raw 7 footer with a lot of upside three years ago?</div>
So did the Wizards a few years back. Not all raw 7 footers are created equal.
</div>

Bynum was a good guy with a great work ethic.
</div>

False.
</div>

Please. He got a whole lot better from his rookie year to this year.
</div>

That happened after he got drafted. He had poor motor and ethic in high school, so that could not have possibly been known before the draft.

 

[Real]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Kid Chocolate @ Jun 16 2008, 12:23 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Real @ Jun 16 2008, 01:22 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Kid Chocolate @ Jun 16 2008, 12:18 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Real @ Jun 16 2008, 01:07 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Netted @ Jun 15 2008, 09:20 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Real @ Jun 15 2008, 09:56 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Suprised nobody is talking about DeAndre Jordan.

Yeah he's a raw 7 footer with a lot of upside.

But didn't the Lakers take a raw 7 footer with a lot of upside three years ago?</div>
So did the Wizards a few years back. Not all raw 7 footers are created equal.
</div>

Bynum was a good guy with a great work ethic.
</div>

False.
</div>

Please. He got a whole lot better from his rookie year to this year.
</div>

That happened after he got drafted. He had poor motor and ethic in high school, so that could not have possibly been known before the draft.
</div>

Then why did the Lakers take him at 10?