Denver Nuggets Sign JJ Hickson

The Nuggets have finally made a move in free agency that benefits them. They snagged JJ Hickson, who averaged a double double last season, for just five million a year. Hickson started at center last season and played well, but I dont think he will start at center for Denver because his defense was horrible last season. He will likely play mostly at small forward and power forward. I think he will get a lot of minutes at small forward before Gallo comes back from his injury. He should have no problem finding playing time as this team has a lot of holes.

It remains to be seen if he starts for Denver. His best spot would be starting at power forward, but Faried has started there for the past two seasons. However, Faried would be a good sixth man because of the energy he would bring. Hickson brings good rebounding and is a decent shooter for a power forward. He would provide the Nuggets with a stretch four, something they have not had since Al Harrington. Hickson does not shoot threes, but he has range up to around 18 feet. 

Even though the Nuggets have Faried, they needed a lot more help on the boards, as McGee is not a lot of help in that arena. Hickson gives them a great offensive rebounder, he and Faried were both top ten last season, but he is also good on the defensive end, which is where the Nuggets lacked, especially in the playoffs. 

Hickson covers a lot of needs for this team and for cheap. He gives the Nuggets a good rebounder and a stretch four, but he does have problems on defense, which the Nuggets will try to solve by not playing him at center. I am hoping last season was not an anomaly and he will live up to expectations this season.