Is there such a thing as a switch?
If so, J.J. “Glitch” Hickson might have hit it.
After getting 14 rebounds in 25 minutes against the Lakers, Glitch got 9 rebounds in 31 minutes tonight during the Cavs victory over Oklahoma City. In both games, J.J. was 4-6 from the field and over these 56 minutes he only had a total of 2 turnovers.
J.J.’s activity level is up. You can see him going to the hole stronger - he hasn’t had a single shot attempt blocked in the past two games - which is huge for Glitch.
This is a guy, after all, who only averaged 8 rebounds and 1.9 turnovers per 36.
Okay, okay - so he may have also tried to dunk the ball at the rim instead of over it in the first period tonight … and what about when he blocked Z’s shot by accident in the 2nd quarter while trying to steal a rebound away from his own teammate (yes, I’m not sure how exactly that can happen either). Plus, there’s that mythical jump shot he supposedly has that I haven’t seen go in the hoop in months.
Obviously, it’s going to take some time for us to be sure that J.J. has flipped the proverbial switch … but both the statistics and the visuals are looking improved right now.
Mike Brown must certainly think something is up. Glitch’s minutes in the past two games have been above his average (18.8 minutes per for the season).
This is a good thing.
I think.
Because Anderson Varejao only played 24 minutes against the Lakers and 19 minutes tonight. I don’t know about you, but if I’m a GM I don’t want to give up Andy to get Glitch - even if he has turned a corner.
Incidentally, Glitch’s two game stint of improved play has highlighted the problem I’ve been discussing - this team doesn’t have enough available minutes at the 4/5 position.
It may also not have enough time to wait for J.J. to hit his prime one or two years down the road.
And, I write all of this, as the trade deadline looms…
Goodnight / good morning everybody. Heat on Monday.
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