Orlando Magic Daily
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Befuddling player rotations theme of Orlando Magic’s three-loss week

By Brett David Roberts

Feb 27, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Orlando Magic head coach James Borrego coaches against the Atlanta Hawks in the third quarter at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 27, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Orlando Magic head coach James Borrego coaches against the Atlanta Hawks in the third quarter at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 1, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic forward Maurice Harkless (21) fouls Charlotte Hornets center Bismack Biyombo (8) during the second half at Amway Center. Charlotte Hornets defeated the Orlando Magic 98-83. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 1, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic forward Maurice Harkless (21) fouls Charlotte Hornets center Bismack Biyombo (8) during the second half at Amway Center. Charlotte Hornets defeated the Orlando Magic 98-83. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

What has happened to account for the odd rotations?

Kyle O’Quinn has played six minutes in the past four games, two of which were DNP-CDs. O’Quinn is seeing no court time, as one of the Magic’s best rim protector and one of the best passers out of the high post.

Ben Gordon failed to appear in 12 of 14 contests and then played the entire fourth quarter in a lopsided loss — Gordon actually helped the Magic cut the deficit to four early in the fourth quarter raising some question of why he was gathering dust on the bench.

Nicholson is getting somewhat consistent second unit minutes now, and he is proving his value as a stretch-4 and spot-scorer may be enough to keep him in the league.

Even swingman Maurice Harkless has had his stretches of looking like the prospect he did most especially in his rookie season. Harkless’ huge blocked shot on Bismack Biyombo (which was called a foul) at the 9:48 mark of the fourth was an impressive punctuation mark on a strong defensive effort for the young swingmen.

It is quite clear Harkless still has the tools to be a lockdown defender and niche performer who could benefit the Magic or another team should he eventually be dealt.

Next: So, is anyone playing well?