Two years ago, with LeBron James having bolted Cleveland for the Miami Heat, the Cavaliers were hopeful that big man J.J. Hickson was a player around whom they could build their foundation for the future. Hickson did average 13.8 points and 8.7 rebounds that season, but he frustrated coaches and management with repeated mental mistakes and blown defensive assignments. The Cavaliers turned around and traded him to Sacramento at the end of last year.
Things didn’t go much better with the Kings, as Hickson openly longed to be back in Cleveland last month amid a season in which he has averaged just 4.7 points and shot 37.0 percent. Well, Hickson could potentially get his wish, as he and the Kings finalized a buyout of his contract that will make him a free agent.
It’s a stunning turn of events for a guy who so recently seemed to have All-Star potential. The Kings tried hard to deal Hickson before Thursday’s trading deadline, but could not find a deal that matched up.
Despite his obvious struggles and the lack of interest on the trade market, Hickson is expected to draw plenty of attention in free agency in the coming days. He is only 23, and was the 19th pick of the 2008 draft. Teams have until Friday to add Hickson, or any free agent, in time for him to be eligible for the postseason.
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