Brian Shaw is leaning toward placing J.J. Hickson in the Denver Nuggets' starting lineup in the spot of Kenneth Faried at the start the season.

Hickson averaged 12.7 points and 10.3 rebounds last season for the Portland Trall Blazers while Faried averaged 11 points and 9.2 rebounds.

Faried is dealing with a hamstring injury and has been in reported trade rumors.

The Nuggets announced Shaw's plan.