© 2008 NCSU Student Media
J.J. Hickson was drafted 19th by Cleveland after just one year with the Wolfpack.
Here are the NC State alumni who are making their mark on the NBA this season.
T.J. Warren
The former standout for the Wolfpack is in his second season with the Phoenix Suns after being drafted 14th overall in the 2014 NBA draft. While his minutes have increased this season, many fans of both the Pack and Suns have been vocal in their belief that his talent warrants even more playing time. While Warren has been playing well, averaging 11 points and 3.1 rebounds while significantly improving his three-point shooting, his overall shooting percentage has slipped slightly from .528 a year ago to .501 this season. The Suns fired head coach Jeff Hornacek Monday after the team’s 19th loss in its past 21 games, leading to even more questions surrounding Warren’s role on the team moving forward.
J.J. Hickson
Hickson is averaging 7.2 points and 4.6 rebounds for the Denver Nuggets this season but has only played in one game for one minute since Jan. 10. Because of his decreased playing time as of late, rumors have been swirling that Hickson is on the trading block, and the Nuggets organization is pushing hard to move him. The last time Hickson played meaningful minutes was Jan. 8 against Memphis, where he scored three points and five rebounds in 11 minutes of action.
Lorenzo Brown
Brown became a free agent Friday as his latest of two 10-day contracts with the Phoenix Suns expired and the organization decided against re-signing him. Brown played well in very limited action with the Suns as he averaged 2.5 points, 1.4 assists and 0.9 rebounds in just 7.6 minutes of playing time a game. It will be interesting to see if another NBA team signs Brown or if he returns to the NBA Development League where he dominated competition and earned All-Star honors.