NBA Free Agency 2013: Top 10 Worst Contracts So Far
By Chris Philip
Apr 14, 2013; Denver, CO, USA; Portland Trailblazers center J.J. Hickson (21) reacts during the first half against the Denver Nuggets at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
#7. J.J. Hickson, Denver Nuggets
3 years/$15M (2012-2013: $4M)
Age: 24 (2016-2017: 27)
Peers: Ramon Sessions, Andre Miller
Role: Bench Big
2012-2013 Statistics: 80 games, 29.0 mpg, 12.7 ppg (56.2%/0%/67.9%), 10.4 rpg, 1.1 apg, 0.6 spg, 0.6 bpg
Rationale: Hickson averaged a double-double as Portland’s starting center last season. While the raw stats and percentages are impressive, there is a reason the rebuilding Trail Blazers did not renew his contract: defense. The Trail Blazers had the worst paint defense in the NBA last season with Hickson manning the middle. Even his vaunted rebounding is stat-padding. With the presence of JaVale McGee and Kenneth Faried, the acquisition of Darrell Arthur, the return of Danilo Gallinari and the versatility of Wilson Chandler in small-ball lineups, Hickson may be no better than the sixth big in Denver’s rotation. Even if Hickson earns less than the league average, $5 million a year is excessive for ten minutes a night of rebounding specialization.