How Can Andrew Nicholson Improve?

Andrew Nicholson has not produced as much as he was expected to so far in his career, and this season may be his last chance in a Magic uniform.

This season is a contract year for Andrew Nicholson, and it may very well decide his fate in the NBA.

Nicholson came into the league as a skilled offensive player at 6-foot-9. He was the team’s first round pick in 2012, and appeared to be a very promising prospect.

However, he never reached his potential. After playing 16.7 minutes per game in 75 games and starting 28 of those in his rookie season, he only played in 40 games, three of which he started, and his minutes decreased by 4.4 per game in his second year. Last season, Nicholson shot 43.7 percent from the field, 31.7 percent from three, and averaged 4.9 points and 2.1 rebounds per game.

Despite often playing against opposing teams’ bench units, the Magic had an offensive rating (points per 100 possessions) of 96.3, and a defensive rating of 104.2 with Nicholson on the court. Although the defense improved by one point against the team’s average, the offense was 3.3 points worse with him on the court.

According to the Pythagorean formula for win percentage, if the team had that net rating for the season, it would be projected to win about 20 games. Clearly, the team was worse with Nicholson on the court.

A new coaching staff though brings a new chance to make a first impression. And perhaps a chance to return to that rookie form that brought so much promise.

A big challenge for the coaching staff this season will be bringing out what Nicholson does well, helping him develop what he hasn’t done as well, and then evaluating whether he should be a significant piece on this team.

Next: Surprising Interior Defense