Rating J.J. Hickson Signing With Denver Nuggets

Apr 16, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Portland Trail Blazers center J.J. Hickson (21) dunks over Los Angeles Clippers power forward Blake Griffin (32) during the game at the Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

The Denver Nuggets signed J.J. Hickson.

The Nuggets have had a less than exciting free agent period. They have lost their starting defensive-minded forward Andre Iguodola to their Western Conference foe, the Golden State Warriors. They let Corey Brewer walk to the Minnesota Timberwolves, who was a nice bench player last year, but wasn’t too big of a hit.

The Nuggets did awake from their free agent sleep when they signed forward J.J. Hickson who was with the Portland Trailblazers last season. Hickson, who has bounced around from a few teams, is a much needed acquisition. After losing two forwards to free agency, getting Hickson helps the Nuggets to be able to try to replace Iguodola and Brewer.

Hickson isn’t a scrub either. He has a career average of 12.7 points and 10.4 rebounds per game. Those are great numbers for a guy who will most likely come off the bench. He also adds youth to the team. He is only 24 years old. The less mileage the better for a fast paced team like the Nuggets.

The Nuggets have been famous for having a high flying team without a true superstar but having excellent depth. Last year in the playoffs, many people liked them to come out of the Western Conference, but they were bounced out in the first round by Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors. That playoff series put a bright light on their lack of a superstar.

This wasn’t answered in this signing. While it adds depth, Hickson is a nice role player. The Nuggets are putting a lot of pressure on Ty Lawson and Kenneth Faried to play the superstar role. The truth of the matter is, they aren’t superstars yet.

Grade: B-