I am one of many who have been very impressed with Chad Buchannon's performance as "Interim" GM thus far. Personally, I think the tag should die, but thats an argument for another day. But one of the best moves he's made, in my opinion, is snagging JJ Hickson off the waiver wire.

I just got home from the OKC game, in which JJ had 21 pts, 4 rebs, 3 stls and 1 block in 26 minutes. He's been on the team for only 2 or 3 games, but he's already our 3rd best player, which leads me to two very simple conclusions:

1: JJ Hickson needs to start over Joel Przybilla. I know Joel is one of the most popular players in recent memory, but he's old (beyond his years), he isn't a good rebounder any more, and (as a 7-footer) he rim-checked a wide open dunk attempt tonight, obviously just an annecdote, but a glaring one. I don't know if you play JJ or LA at Center, who defends what position, thats for the coaches to decide, but I know that he's better than Joel, and way more effective, and should start.

2: JJ Hickson needs to be consiidered part of the Portland Trailblazers core going forward. Which means we need to sign him long term. Hopefully we can get him for something between the value of Wes Mathews' and Nic Batum's (yes he needs to be part of our core as well) contracts, maybe somewhere around 7 million? I realize this will eat into our cap space a bit, but the guy is a very good player and a Hickson/Aldridge/Batum trio will be a great core to build around.