[druneave3Participant]

From Kurt Helin – Blazers GM Neil Olshey was frank in speaking with the Oregonian and saying he doesn’t expect the Blazers will bring back Hickson, who is a free agent this summer.

“For us to make a jump next season, JJ can’t be our starting center,’’ Olshey said, referencing the Blazers’ 47.4 points allowed in the paint per game, an NBA high. “I’m not saying he can’t be part of the roster. But we need to find a starting-caliber center who protects the rim and gets defensive rebounds at a high rate and that has a presence. And we have to do a better job at defending the paint. So you have to ask: Is it likely there is enough minutes to commit the kind of dollars JJ will command, when clearly there are other positions that need to be upgraded? Probably not.’

Just thinking about some possible destinations for him. I am assuming he will get somewhere in the ballpark of $8-10 million. Hopefully he will opt for a contender, and assume a lesser role coming off the bench with less minutes, rather than going somewhere he can start.

Clippers- It might be smarter to spend $ on defense but I think Hickson would make a great 3rd big who can play 4 or 5 with Griffin or Jordan. A one-two punch of Crawford and Hickson off the bench would be difficult for most teams second units to match up with. Re-sign CP3. Then get some good value in the inevitable Bledsoe trade. Fire Vinny. Draft best available defensive big, Withey, Dieng, Payne, at end of the first round.

Where do you think the best place is for Hickson to end up next year?

[SiggyParticipant]

The 6ers could really use his rebounding.

[GeorgeGarbajosaParticipant]

The Raptors should definitely pursue him, they are in desperate need of some frontcourt depth. He would most likely start at PF, I love Amir Johnson but although his motor is consistently at a high level, his offensive game often isn’t, and he can be prone to foul trouble at times. They’re already an extremely athletic team and with Hickson they would be even more fun to watch (plus hopefully win more 🙂

[HobbyOGParticipant]

The Hawks will lose Josh Smith and over pay JJ because no one else will go to Atlanta..and this is coming from someone who lives in Atlanta. He has Hawks written all over him.

[andyV17Participant]

Plus JJ is from the ATL

[Lotto StudParticipant]

Although Atlanta seems ideal, I would like to see him in Chicago.

[TheArtistPaysthePriceParticipant]

Think about it, everyone fills he is a good 3rd big to bring off the bench, but what 3rd big is getting 8 or 10 million a year. I think him, JR, OJ and a lot of others are in for a real big surprise again this summer. He is better than Speights but not as good as Millsap. The Blazer’s GM in that interview hinted that JJ has been a liability on D and is really a PF only saying we have hidden him well this year. If he took like 5 or 6 a year or 4 over 4 years, Phoenix might take a look. They wanted him when he was with Cleveland when the Stoudamire deal fell through. If they keep Gortat which they should, he could give them a true pf besides the tweener parade they role out now. Everybody has them mocked taking McLemore and they have shopped Dudley on a number of occasions, most recently for Iman Shumpert, who is a average mans McLemore (he did have the knee problem) as far as potential with less stroke. I think that Phoenix goes Len if they pick late and McLemore, Noel or even Porter early, so JJ would be a good fit no matter which of those guys they get.

Philly or the Pistons are the only other good spots I see, but he displaces Thad Young and he and Thad cant play 4 and 5 together. Thad could go as a three which is cool but I think he is better as a stretch 4, he can’t dominate boards as a four but he works hard down there.

Maybe back to Cleveland, he was still good friends with you know who, and maybe we have a family reunion in 2014.

[festar35Participant]

This isn’t likely, but if Indiana gets outbid on David West I can them having a look at Hickson and Millsap. I honestly believe that he would be a really good fit in Houston to go along with Asik.

[Bmore_DCParticipant]

If the Wizards cant draft a big guy, Hickson is exactly what they need…it all depends on how much he is going to ask for…Okafor is in the last year of his contract (assuming he accepts his option)

[HitsterParticipant]

The Wizards have Seraphin and Booker still under contract so I doubt that they persue him. Atlanta would be a nice fit I fully agree and I could see Indiana perhaps looking at him if West moves on.

A lot could depend where Jefferson, Millsap, Josh Smith, Splitter, West etc end up as teams may well miss out on targets or have gaps to fill. Also a lot could depend on salary demands as some guys may overprice themselves.

[Ny2daDeathOFmeParticipant]

Is a bit much if you ask me. He’s a good rebounder but its no secrete he’s not a rim protector so I don’t see him getting that much but if he does more power to him. I think the mavs might pick him up though for about 5 to 6 million

[druneave3Participant]

I was thinking Taj Gibson got $10 but he got $8, and determining Hickson’s value based on that deal. I think Hickson’s lack of defense would lower is value, so yea, probably around 5-7. Would not surprise me if a team who started him gave him more though.

[KHAM83Participant]

I don’t think Atl will pursue him if they still have Hortford.

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