Byron Scott discontented with J.J Hickson’s development
Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Byron Scott expressed his discontentment over J.J Hickson’s development, and the former coach of the year is considering a starting-lineup change.
Hickson, who started in Cleveland’s ten games this season, is averaging 15.2 points and 5.3 rebounds per game (that is beyond his average last season), but Scott is looking for more improvement
in the rebounding department.
“J.J. is like a lot of young 22-year-olds who think their athleticism is going to get it all done,” said Scott about Hickson, who only had two rebounds in each of their last two games. “But
technique is very important when it comes to blocking out. I think he's going to get to the point where he understands that a lot better.”
Hickson, on the other hand, defended himself, and said that he is doing everything his coach wants him to do, like boxing out and proper positioning, but Scott disagreed, feeling that Hickson
was not active inside, especially in their last two games.
“Not from what I saw on the tape, not unless we got a different copy,” Scott said. “I didn't really see the boxing out. He would rather be there and he is looking and watching the ball. As
we always say, 'Don't watch the birds fly.' You have to find a body and hit him first, and then go get the ball.”
And when Scott was asked if he is planning to play Hickson off the bench, he said that there is nothing imminent, although he did not rule out tweaking their starting five.
“I'm a guy that really gives it a go first,” Scott said. “I really want to look at it 10, 15, 20 games before I make a decision like that. I do not fly by the seat of my pants. I really try
to take my time and analyze the whole situation before I make a change.”
Scott also added that if they’re going to make changes, he would definitely consider starting Antawn Jamison at the power-forward spot, especially now that the 34-year-old forward is slowly
getting into his old form.
“He's playing so well,” said Scott on Jamison, who averaged 16 points and 8.7 rebounds in their last three games since returning from a knee injury.
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