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5 things the Orlando Magic can accomplish in final five games

By Philip Rossman-Reich

Apr 4, 2015; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Orlando Magic forward Andrew Nicholson (44) and Orlando Magic forward Aaron Gordon (00) reach for a rebound above Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) during the second quarter at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 4, 2015; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Orlando Magic forward Andrew Nicholson (44) and Orlando Magic forward Aaron Gordon (00) reach for a rebound above Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) during the second quarter at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /
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Andrew Nicholson, Orlando Magic, Sacramento Kings
Mar 6, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic forward Andrew Nicholson (44) dribbles the ball as Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins (15) defends during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Who is Maurice Harkless and Andrew Nicholson?

Like Aaron Gordon, the Magic are still figuring out what they have in several young players.

This summer and next season are absolutely critical for Harkless and Nicholson’s careers. They are due to become restricted free agents at the end of next season and the payday can be a powerful motivator throughout the summer.

This season has not gone as planned for either of them. Nicholson has come on lately, but hardly enough to guarantee a spot in the rotation for the start of next season. Harkless still has not been able to find a role or consistent minutes.

This would be the time to give him some time to play and continue evaluating him. Both could use this time for evaluation so the Magic can begin fitting them into their future plans . . . or use this as a shiny object to show potential trade partners.

Nov 22, 2014; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic forward Maurice Harkless (21) during the second quarter of an NBA basketball game at Amway Center. The Miami Heat beat the Orlando Magic 99-92. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 22, 2014; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic forward Maurice Harkless (21) during the second quarter of an NBA basketball game at Amway Center. The Miami Heat beat the Orlando Magic 99-92. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

Every minute they are on the floor is valuable for information gathering for everyone. And the Magic lose nothing by showing them off at this point. They lose everything if they keep them hidden.

Harkless especially has to gain some confidence for the summer and feel like he has a place on this roster. Or at least a sense of what he has to work on to find his fit with this roster.

It feels like we have asked this question all season. Now, it seems like an expedient time to definitively understand these two young prospects.

Next: Tobias Harris' showcase