Talking Points: Hickson for best Blazer

What’s the buzz from the world of sports? Here are some items that will have people talking:

1

LaMarcus Aldridge is headed back to the All-Star Game, and Damian Lillard might be headed for a Rookie of the Year award, but here’s one nomination for J.J. Hickson as the Blazers’ best player this year.

Despite playing out of position and playing less than 30 minutes a game, Hickson is averaging 12.6 points and 10.8 rebounds. He also is shooting 55 percent from the field, ranking among the top 10 in the league.

Lillard has been a revelation, but Hickson’s play might be the most surprising factor in Portland’s surprising .500 record. His Player Efficiency Rating of 20.0 is the best on the team.

2

Tiger Woods rolled to a victory Monday at Torrey Pines, and at times during the tournament he looked like the Tiger Woods of old in running away from the field.

Like him or not — and there are plenty of valid reasons either way — Woods’ victory is good for golf. The man attracts eyeballs like nobody else in sports, even if he hasn’t won a major tournament in nearly five years.

If Woods is in top form this year and is at least in contention for majors, golf becomes infinitely more interesting.

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