CLEVELAND – J.J. Hickson said he woke up Saturday morning feeling good.

The fourth-year forward was back in Cleveland, where he spent his first three seasons, and would practice with the Kings on his old home court.

Hickson is still searching for the on-court rhythm he had with the Cavaliers.

His transition to Sacramento has been rough. The Cavaliers traded Hickson to the Kings last June for forward Omri Casspi and a conditional first-round draft pick.

Hickson was supposed to add frontcourt athleticism to the Kings and show he can be their power forward of the future. That has yet to happen.

He has dealt with a coaching change and being benched while adjusting to his new team.

Hickson said the switch from Paul Westphal to Keith Smart last month isn't his only adjustment this season.

"It's a new offense, new plays, new organization, a different way of running things," Hickson said. "Once I adjust, I'll be good. Even though we're 30 games in, I feel I still have a lot of adjusting to do."

Hickson's scoring, rebounds per game and minutes played are the lowest since his rookie season. At this rate, his shooting (38.2 percent) also would be a career low.

Hickson cracked the starting lineup following a Jan. 5 injury to Chuck Hayes but lost the job after nine games when Jason Thompson outplayed him.

"It's real tough, but I'm a pro," Hickson said. "I'm going to continue to be a pro and get through it and get over this little hump. I'll continue to work hard, take a step day by day."

Hickson admitted his confidence has taken a hit. After averaging career highs of 13.8 points, 8.7 rebounds and 28.2 minutes last season, Hickson is averaging 5.2 points and 5.4 rebounds in 19.7 minutes.

With former teammate LeBron James in Miami, Hickson was a big part of the Cavaliers' offense last season.

That has not been the case with the Kings.

"He was the low-post guy, and the ball was going to him 10-12 times a game automatically," Smart said. "Now we have multiple guys on the floor who the ball is going to go to, and now as a power forward, he has to figure out how to get that (production) from there. And that's hard … "

Hickson took advantage of mismatches as an undersized (6-foot-9) center for the Cavaliers.

The Kings have been disinclined to use Hickson as a center because DeMarcus Cousins has played well there.

That also has taken some adjustment by Hickson.

"Traditionally in the West, a five is a five," Hickson said of the center position. "In the East, I could get away with playing the five with the exception of two or three centers. I'm comfortable playing the four (power forward) or the five. I've been doing it my whole career."

Smart wants Hickson to use his strengths – running the floor and rebounding – so he can contribute without having plays run for him.

"If we can put those two things together every single night where a coach doesn't have to call a play for him, and by running the floor get six points and four on offensive putbacks – now (he's) got 10 points," Smart said.

Smart also wants Hickson to drive to the basket instead of settling for perimeter jumpers.

Smart would rather see Hickson catch the ball near the rim and dunking or being fouled.

That could be the key to Hickson's NBA longevity. Following this season, he will be a restricted free agent if the Kings give him a qualifying offer.

"If you're on the perimeter settling for jump shots to (tell) people 'I can shoot the ball' and you're not making them, you're telling them that maybe you're not a shooter right now," Smart said. "So let people see, wow, he's always at the free-throw line, he's always running up and down the floor getting layups on the break. … That's the kind of guy you want playing on your basketball team because those are hustle guys."

Smart said Hickson has been shown on film where he has opportunities to run more or get the ball quickly in the post if he hustles downcourt. Hickson said he's working to do so.

"It's a matter of me thinking too much," Hickson said. "Once I stop thinking and just play, I'll be good."

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