23-year old J.J. Hickson came to the Kings in a deal with the Cavaliers the day before the lockout.  It was a steal for the Kings as Hickson has a huge upside.  Hickson played in 80 games (66 starts) for the Cavaliers last year and he averaged 28.2 minutes, 13.8 points, 8.7 rebounds and 1.1 assists per game.  He has now played in 223 games (139 starts) in his first three years in the NBA and he is averaging 20.9 minutes, 9.1 points, 5.7 rebounds and 0.6 assists per game.  Don’t be surprised if Hickson averages a double-double for the Kings in 2011-12 as he still has a huge upside.  25-year old Jason Thompson played in 75 games (39 starts) for the Kings last year and he averaged 23.3 minutes, 8.8 points, 6.1 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game.  He has now played in 232 games (153 starts) in his first three years in the NBA and he is averaging 27.6 minutes, 10.8 points, 7.3 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game.  Thompson will backup Hickson at power forward and DeMarcus Cousins at center in 2011-12.

Brad Miller has turned back the clock as he has been outstanding so far this season for the Kings. Miller has played in 32 games this season for the Kings and he is averaging 35.8 minutes, 13.8 points, 8.7 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game. Point guard Beno Udrih has been playing the best basketball of his NBA career this year for the Kings. Udrih has played in 27 games so far this season for the Kings and he is averaging 36.2 minutes, 13.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 1.1 steals per game.

Ron Artest will miss the next 3-4 weeks as he recovers from elbow surgery. Artest has started 19 games this season for the Kings and he is averaging 19.1 points, 6.1 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 2.2 steals and 1.0 block per game. The Kings might be able to replace Artest’s offense but they will miss his defense.

The Kings would have no problem increasing rookie center Spencer Hawes playing time if he earns it. He has played in 22 games so far this season and he is averaging 9.3 mintues, 3.1 points, 2.3 rebounds and 0.2 assists per game. His problem has been his shooting as he’s only hitting 39.1% from the floor and that’s unacceptable for a player his size.