Eggers: Blazers F/C J.J. Hickson Talks Situation In Portland, Role, Future

Kerry Eggers of the Portland Tribune reports that Portland Trail Blazers forward/center J.J. Hickson says that he is happy in his current situation but that he would prefer to play power forward, what he sees as his natural position. Hickson also said that he is is in contact with his agent "nearly every day" about his future, which could include a trade in advance of February's deadline.

"I'm going to make sure any situation I'm in is right for me," Hickson says. "I'm the one who is going to live and die with my situation. I can veto or OK any trade. I'll make sure the situation is right for me, a place where I can help the team."

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"I'd be lying if I said it's not a different situation, but I'm happy where I'm at with this team," Hickson says. "It's a great group of guys. We all get along on and off the court. I'm pretty cool with the coaching staff. We're a close-knit group. It's one big, happy family of guys who have ups and downs with each other."

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"I'm playing out of position at the 5-spot," Hickson says. "Coach Stotts told me what the situation would be. I think I've done a good job accepting my role. But I'd be lying if I said I didn't want to play the 4. That's my natural position. That's another problem that comes into play. But I'm happy with this team. I can only control what I do on the basketball court and let the front office handle their part. I'm going to do my job and let them do theirs."

-- Ben Golliver | benjamin.golliver@gmail.com | Twitter