Orlando Magic Player Evaluations: Andrew Nicholson

Best Game of 2015

April 15 @ Nets
18 pts., 9 rebs., 8/10 FGs

This last game might be the real reason we have such a good feeling about Nicholson heading into the offseason despite his being buried on the bench the entire season.

Nicholson did everything that he had promised throughout his career in this one game, pulling it all together in that big finale.

Nicholson scored four points in the paint in that game, so he was still largely taking jumpers. But like in that premiere two years ago against the Pacers, his ability to pop on pick and rolls and then establish post position and score on the low block makes him pretty versatile. Or it should.

The Magic have had such a hard time figuring out how to properly and adequately use Nicholson and his talents, this game seemed to be the ideal of everything.

Nicholson was aggressive with three field goal attempts at the rim and mid-range jumpers in transition. He was making contested and uncontested jumpers.

Nicholson is not the player to create a ton of offense outside his post ups, so making spot-up jumpers like he did in this game is a good sign for what he can still become.

It left a good taste in our mouth for the rest of his career, at least.

Next: 2016 Outlook