J.J. Hickson (knee) is currently able to take free throws and hopes to be able to run with the help of of an antigravity treadmill in the coming weeks, the Nuggets' Official Site reports.

Hickson (knee) hopes to be ready for training camp, and if that's not the case, he believes he'll be ready before the season begins, NBA.com reports. When asked about a rumored January return date, Hickson said, "That's false. I'm looking to be ready for training camp. If not, definitely before the season starts."

Analysis:

Hickson went down with an ACL tear in his right knee during the Nuggets' March 21 game against the Mavericks. Before the injury, he was averaging 11.8 points, 9.2 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 0.7 steals, and 0.7 blocks in 27 minutes per game. Earlier this month, it was reported that Hickson was targeting a January return. Timetables for a return from ACL surgery vary, so it's hard to pick a concrete date for Hickson's return. Even when he does return, Hickson may not have a regular role in the rotation considering the impending return of JaVale McGee (knee) and the development of Kenneth Faried and Timofey Mozgov last season.