James Edward Hickson Jr. shortly known as JJ Hickson is an American basketball player who played for Cleveland Cavaliers, Sacramento Kings and Portland Trail Blazers. As of 2026, JJ Hickson net worth is estimated to be around $10 million.
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Quick Facts About JJ Hickson
| Full Name | JJ Hickson |
| Profession | Athlete |
| Nationality | American |
| Last Updated | March 2026 |
Born on September 4, 1988 in Atlanta, Georgia, Hickson went to Joseph Wheeler High School where he played basketball and was ranked No. 10 overall recruit and No. 2 power forward by Rivals.com. He then went to NC State in 2007 where he played one season. In his first game as freshman, he scored 31 points making NCAA Division I record for field goal percentage. He averaged 14.8 points, 8.5 rebounds and was selected to All- Freshman team in the ACC.
In 2008, Hickson was selected in 19th overall pick by the Cleveland Cavaliers. In his NBA debut against Charlotte Bobcasts, he scored four points making one field goal and two free throws. On November 2, 2010, he scored a career high 31 points against Atlanta Hawks.
Hickson was then traded to Sacramento Kings in exchange of Omri Casspi in 2011. The same year he signed for Bnei HaSharon of the Israeli Basketball Premier League. After that, he joined Sacramento Kings and went to play 35 games before he was waived by the franchise on March 19, 2012.
In 2012, he signed with Portland Trail Blazers in a one year deal. With Blazers, he averaged a career high 10.4 rebounds, 12.7 points per game. Hickson then signed with Denver Nuggets after he got released by Trail Blazers. On September 17, 2014 he was suspended by NBA for the first five games of the 2014-15 season for violating the NBA’s anti-drug policy.
In 2016, he signed with Washington Wizards and then went to China where he played with Fujian Sturgeons of the Chinese Basketball Association. On April 2, 2018 he signed with Champville SC of the Lebanese Basketball Federation after being released by Jiangsu Tongxi of the Chinese Basketball Association.
JJ Hickson Net Worth: $10 million
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is JJ Hickson’s net worth in 2026?
JJ Hickson’s net worth and financial details are regularly updated. Check the sections above for the most current information about his earnings and assets.
What is JJ Hickson known for?
JJ Hickson is primarily known for his career in sports. He has built a significant following and reputation in their field over the years.
Where is JJ Hickson from?
For detailed information about JJ Hickson’s background, early life, and origins, refer to the biography sections above.
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Early Life and Education
James Edward “JJ” Hickson Jr. was born on September 4, 1988, in Atlanta, Georgia. His early childhood was marked by significant family challenges that would ultimately shape his character and resilience. Hickson spent part of his formative years in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, before relocating to Atlanta to live with his grandmother, Marie Myers. This move became necessary following the death of his mother, Keena Hickson, from kidney failure when he was in the seventh grade. This loss deeply affected young Hickson, but it also forged an unbreakable bond with his grandmother, who would become his greatest source of support and guidance throughout his life and basketball career.
Marie Myers had already endured tremendous personal tragedy before taking in her grandson. She had previously lost her eldest daughter, Karen, to a brain aneurysm. Despite these heartbreaking circumstances, Myers extended her home and love to JJ and his cousin Altovice. The household became a refuge of strength and determination, though it would face further tragedy when Altovice succumbed to sickle cell anemia in 2004.
For his high school education, Hickson attended Joseph Wheeler High School in Marietta, Georgia, where he developed his basketball skills and began to gain recognition as a talented prospect. He then committed to North Carolina State University where his freshman season was nothing short of sensational. In his very first college game, he scored 31 points and made all 12 of his attempted field goals against William & Mary, setting an NCAA Division I record for field goal percentage in a player’s first career game. He averaged 14.8 points and 8.5 rebounds per game while leading all NCAA freshmen in rebounding.
Career Highlights
JJ Hickson’s entry into the NBA came on June 24, 2008, when the Cleveland Cavaliers selected him with the 19th overall pick in the 2008 NBA Draft. He signed his rookie-scale contract with the Cavaliers, becoming part of the organization then led by superstar LeBron James. During his tenure with the Cavaliers, Hickson proved to be a consistent performer and a valuable contributor to the team’s frontcourt.
One of his most memorable performances came on November 2, 2010, when he scored a career-high 31 points against the Atlanta Hawks. His rebounding ability was equally impressive, as evidenced on January 22, 2011, when he grabbed a career-high 20 rebounds against the Chicago Bulls, including 11 offensive rebounds. On June 30, 2011, he was traded to the Sacramento Kings in exchange for Omri Casspi and a protected first-round pick.
Over the course of his career, Hickson played for five different NBA teams, including the Cavaliers, Sacramento Kings, Portland Trail Blazers, Denver Nuggets, and Memphis Grizzlies. He also played internationally with Bnei HaSharon in Israel during the 2011 NBA lockout. Unfortunately, a serious ACL injury sustained while playing for the Denver Nuggets significantly impacted his career trajectory. Over his eight-season NBA career, Hickson appeared in 534 regular-season games, averaging 9.5 points and 6.8 rebounds per game.
Personal Life
JJ Hickson’s personal life has been shaped profoundly by the family tragedies and losses he experienced from an early age. The death of his mother during his adolescence and the passing of his cousin and aunt left deep impressions on his character and worldview. Rather than allowing these circumstances to define him negatively, Hickson developed a philosophy of resilience and perseverance. As he has stated regarding overcoming adversity, “it’s not about what happens to you, it’s about how you bounce back.”
Throughout his NBA career, Hickson maintained a close relationship with his grandmother, Marie Myers, who remained his anchor and source of strength. His willingness to speak openly about family loss and the importance of resilience made him a relatable figure to many fans. Today, JJ Hickson remains connected to the basketball community and his legacy extends beyond his on-court accomplishments to include his role as an inspirational figure who has overcome significant personal obstacles.
What is JJ Hickson’s net worth in 2026?
JJ Hickson: $10 million (2026).
What is JJ Hickson doing now?
JJ Hickson remains professionally active in 2026.
How did JJ Hickson build their wealth?
JJ Hickson built $10 million through sustained career work.
Those who build multi-million-dollar net worths invest in skills, relationships, and infrastructure that convert early success into lasting careers. Their financial achievements are the evidence of that sustained investment across decades of professional life.
