J.J. Hickson is averaging 11.2 points and 8.7 rebounds this season for the Denver Nuggets following his breakout season with the Portland Trail Blazers last season.

Hickson sees his career path much clearly now than he did with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

"My second or third year, I wasn't content with just not messing up," Hickson said. "I wanted to be some type of player in this league, and I think I'm still working at that."

When asked what has flipped the switch for him, Hickson said, "All the hard work I put in," Hickson said. "I figured I'm not working this hard to not mess up, I'm working this hard to be the best player I can be."