J.J. Hickson
J.J. Hickson is the first of two possible Denver Nuggets big men that the Clippers can consider before the NBA trade deadline strikes. He may have little offensive ability and he has such a small role (receiving frequent DNPs) with the Nuggets because he is a limited player. However, seeing as Doc has so few assets at his disposal to call and offer them, this suits the Clippers just fine.
For a start, L.A. need rebounding help. They’ve elevated their performance defensively to a great extent this season, thanks to DeAndre Jordan’s high-flying rim protection and nightly 14 rebounds and 2.3 blocks. On the perimeter, Chris Paul is an All-Defensive first team talent as always while J.J. Redick, Wesley Johnson and especially Austin Rivers have upped their effort, too.
However, ranking 24th in rebounds per game right now is far from good enough. Against teams like the Golden State Warriors, San Antonio Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder who reside at the top of the NBA in this category, the Clippers will get totally outmatched in the playoffs.
Hickson can help in this area, as he’s always been a physical presence on the boards, despite his moderate 6’9″ frame. This season, he’s averaging 10.3 rebounds per 36 minutes, and his limited role doesn’t indicate his production too well, even when converted to this time frame. Last season, he averaged 11.5 per 36 minutes and the previous two seasons he averaged at least 12.2. With minutes at power forward, he’ll have far more impact on the glass than guys like Pierce have when used in small lineups.
The Clippers need this kind of hustle, and as Hickson is currently holding players to shoot a ridiculous 16 percent lower than normal within six feet of the basket (per NBA.com), he has the kind of physical defense they need off the bench.
While it may be abrupt with the way he’s playing lately, if Doc Rivers doesn’t want Lance Stephenson long-term, he’s still (surprise, surprise) the Clippers’ best trade asset in this potential deal. He still has potential and talent, yet it’s his $9 million salary and team option for 2016-17 that adds value, due to the chance to let him walk for cap space if things don’t work out.
However, seeing as Hickson hasn’t even played in 28 of the last 31 games (nearly all of which are due to DNPs), he has very limited value to the Nuggets at the bottom of their frontcourt rotation. As they know they won’t be getting much back, the Clippers may be able to haggle for a deal giving up even less. A package revolving around someone like C.J. Wilcox, for example, could work.
Next: Looking to Brooklyn