James Edward "J.J." Hickson Jr. remains a notable name for NBA fans who followed the league during the late 2000s and early 2010s. Known for his explosive athleticism, relentless rebounding, and efficiency around the rim, Hickson carved out an eight-season career in the NBA before taking his talents overseas. This comprehensive breakdown explores his statistical legacy, his peak years in Portland, and his overall impact on the teams he represented.

Career Overview of J.J. Hickson Stats

Across his 534 regular-season games in the NBA, J.J. Hickson established himself as a reliable interior presence. His career averages reflect a player who prioritized high-percentage scoring and active glass-crashing.

  • Games Played: 534
  • Games Started: 307
  • Points Per Game (PPG): 9.5
  • Rebounds Per Game (RPG): 6.8
  • Assists Per Game (APG): 0.8
  • Field Goal Percentage (FG%): 50.5%
  • Free Throw Percentage (FT%): 61.7%
  • Blocks Per Game (BPG): 0.6
  • Minutes Per Game (MPG): 22.3

Hickson's career was defined by specific periods of high productivity, particularly when granted a starting role and significant minutes. While he was not a perimeter threat—recorded a career 0.0% from the three-point line—his ability to finish at the rim made him a valuable pick-and-roll partner.

The Early Years and Collegiate Dominance

Before entering the professional ranks, Hickson was a standout prospect at North Carolina State University. His lone season in college (2007–08) provided a glimpse of the double-double machine he would become.

During his freshman year at NC State, Hickson averaged 14.8 points and 8.5 rebounds per game. One of his most historic collegiate moments occurred in his very first game, where he scored 31 points against William & Mary while going a perfect 12-for-12 from the field. This set an NCAA Division I record for field goal percentage by a player in their debut.

His physical profile—6'9" and 242 lbs—combined with a quick second jump made him an immediate target for NBA scouts. He was eventually selected 19th overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2008 NBA Draft, joining a team centered around LeBron James.

Cleveland Cavaliers (2008–2011): Growing with the King

Hickson’s arrival in Cleveland coincided with the team's push for a championship. Initially used sparingly, his role expanded as his chemistry with LeBron James grew.

The 2009-10 Season Breakthrough

In his sophomore season, Hickson started 73 games. He averaged 8.5 points and 4.9 rebounds while shooting an impressive 55.4% from the field. His role was primarily as a finisher; James would attract the defense, and Hickson would find the open space for dunks and layups.

The Post-LeBron Statistical Jump

Following the departure of LeBron James in 2010, the Cavaliers relied heavily on Hickson to lead their frontcourt. This resulted in his highest scoring average with the franchise:

  • 2010-11 Stats: 13.8 PPG, 8.7 RPG, and 0.7 BPG.
  • High Point: He recorded a career-high 31 points against the Atlanta Hawks and a massive 20-rebound game against the Chicago Bulls during this season.

Despite the individual statistical growth, the team struggled, and Hickson was eventually traded to the Sacramento Kings in 2011.

Sacramento Kings and the Portland Peak (2011–2013)

Hickson’s stint in Sacramento was brief and statistically underwhelming, averaging only 4.7 points in 35 games. However, his career saw a significant resurgence when he moved to the Portland Trail Blazers.

The Double-Double Season (2012–13)

The 2012-13 season in Portland was undoubtedly the statistical pinnacle of J.J. Hickson’s career. Serving as the primary center for the Blazers, he became one of the league's most consistent rebounders.

Statistic 2012-13 Value
Games Started 80
Points Per Game 12.7
Rebounds Per Game 10.4
Offensive Rebounds 3.3
Double-Doubles 40
FG% 56.2%

Hickson’s 10.4 rebounds per game ranked among the NBA leaders that year. His energy in the paint and ability to secure second-chance opportunities made him a fan favorite in Portland. He demonstrated that in the right system, he could be an elite-level rebounder and a double-digit scorer.

Denver Nuggets and the Transition Years (2013–2016)

In July 2013, Hickson signed with the Denver Nuggets, a team known for its high-altitude, fast-paced style of play. This environment suited Hickson’s athletic ability, but injuries began to take a toll.

2013-14 Highlights

During his first year in Denver, Hickson averaged 11.8 points and 9.2 rebounds. He famously recorded a career-high 25 rebounds in a single game against his former team, the Portland Trail Blazers, on February 25, 2014. Unfortunately, his season ended prematurely due to a torn ACL in March 2014.

Decline and Final NBA Stint

After returning from injury, Hickson’s explosiveness was slightly diminished. He remained a solid contributor off the bench, but his minutes gradually decreased. In early 2016, he was waived by the Nuggets and subsequently signed with the Washington Wizards. In Washington, he played 15 games, averaging 4.6 points and 3.0 rebounds in a limited reserve role. This marked the conclusion of his NBA career.

Global Career: China and Beyond

After the NBA, Hickson continued his professional journey internationally. His rebounding prowess translated well to international leagues where physical interior play is highly valued.

  1. Fujian Sturgeons (China): In the 2016-17 CBA season, Hickson dominated the boards, often putting up massive scoring and rebounding numbers characteristic of former NBA big men in China.
  2. Jiangsu Tongxi (China): He continued his CBA tenure in 2017, maintaining his reputation as an interior force.
  3. Champville (Lebanon) & Leones de Ponce (Puerto Rico): Hickson had brief stints in the Lebanese Basketball Federation and the Baloncesto Superior Nacional in Puerto Rico, showcasing his skills in various competitive environments.

Statistical Comparison by Team

To understand Hickson's impact, it is helpful to look at his aggregate stats across the different NBA franchises he represented:

  • Cleveland Cavaliers (3 Seasons): 9.1 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 49.5% FG.
  • Portland Trail Blazers (2 Seasons): 13.2 PPG, 10.0 RPG, 55.8% FG.
  • Denver Nuggets (3 Seasons): 9.3 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 49.5% FG.
  • Sacramento Kings (1 Season): 4.7 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 37.0% FG.

The data confirms that Portland was where Hickson found the most success, benefiting from a system that utilized his strengths as a traditional interior finisher and glass-cleaner.

J.J. Hickson’s Playing Style and Legacy

J.J. Hickson was a "classic" power forward/center hybrid of his era. He thrived before the "Space and Pace" revolution took full hold of the NBA.

Strengths

  • Rebounding Instincts: Hickson had an elite "nose for the ball," particularly on the offensive glass. His 2.2 career offensive rebounds per game are a testament to his hustle.
  • Finishing: He possessed a career 50.8% shooting mark on two-point attempts, primarily consisting of dunks, alley-oops, and short hooks.
  • Athleticism: In his prime, he was one of the quickest big men in the league, allowing him to beat opposing centers down the floor in transition.

Limitations

  • Shooting Range: Hickson never developed a mid-range or three-point shot, which limited his versatility as the league moved toward "Stretch 4s."
  • Defensive Consistency: While a capable shot-blocker (0.6 BPG), his defensive rotations were occasionally criticized by coaches.
  • Free Throw Shooting: A career 61.7% shooter from the charity stripe, he was often a target for intentional fouls in late-game situations.

Summary of a Decade in Basketball

J.J. Hickson’s career is a story of a high-energy athlete who maximized his physical gifts. From being a key young piece in Cleveland’s title contention to becoming a rebounding leader in Portland, Hickson provided consistent interior production for nearly a decade. While injuries and the evolution of the game eventually led him away from the NBA, his statistical achievements—including a 25-rebound game and a season averaging a double-double—ensure his place in NBA history books.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are J.J. Hickson’s career highs in the NBA?

J.J. Hickson’s career highs include 31 points (vs. Atlanta Hawks, 2010) and 25 rebounds (vs. Portland Trail Blazers, 2014). He also recorded a career-high of 5 blocks in a single game against the New York Knicks in 2011.

Did J.J. Hickson ever win an NBA Championship?

No, J.J. Hickson did not win an NBA championship. His closest opportunity was with the Cleveland Cavaliers during the 2008-09 and 2009-10 seasons, but the team was eliminated in the Eastern Conference Finals and Semifinals, respectively.

What is J.J. Hickson’s highest rebounding average for a season?

His highest rebounding average was 10.4 rebounds per game, achieved during the 2012-13 season with the Portland Trail Blazers. He was one of the few players that season to average a double-double.

Which college did J.J. Hickson attend?

Hickson attended North Carolina State University (NC State). He played only one season (2007-2008) before declaring for the NBA Draft.

How many teams did J.J. Hickson play for in the NBA?

Hickson played for five NBA teams: the Cleveland Cavaliers, Sacramento Kings, Portland Trail Blazers, Denver Nuggets, and Washington Wizards.

Is J.J. Hickson still playing professional basketball?

Hickson's last recorded professional appearances were in 2019 with Leones de Ponce in Puerto Rico. Since then, he has not been active in major professional leagues.