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Assessing value on the Orlando Magic roster: Introduction and Role Players

By Philip Rossman-Reich

Nov 6, 2013; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic power forward Andrew Nicholson (44) drives to the basket as Los Angeles Clippers power forward Blake Griffin (32) defends during the second half at Amway Center. Orlando Magic defeated the Los Angeles Clippers 98-90. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 6, 2013; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic power forward Andrew Nicholson (44) drives to the basket as Los Angeles Clippers power forward Blake Griffin (32) defends during the second half at Amway Center. Orlando Magic defeated the Los Angeles Clippers 98-90. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-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 /

Andrew Nicholson

Andrew Nicholson has become the enigma for the Magic. His stellar rookie season showed so much promise and potential on offense with a skill that so few big men have in the NBA anymore.

For whatever reason, Orlando pushed him to the perimeter and made him almost exclusively a 3-point shooter. He was inconsistent at that at best — 31.5 percent for his career after not taking a 3-pointer in his rookie year. Nicholson never really found a fit and lost some of his touch in the post and within the arc — 52.7 percent on 2-pointers his rookie year, 46.3 percent the last two years.

Nicholson went from player with a unique skill to a lot of empty production or lack thereof. The Magic have to find a way to resurrect Nicholson and get something from him or his NBA career could very well be over (he will be a restricted free agent after this upcoming season).

He is on a rookie contract though, so some poor production is not a killer against the books.

Ordered by Salary

Player Salary PER $/PER
Tyler Zeller 1,703,760 18.9 90,146.03
Ryan Kelly 1,650,000 8.6 191,860.47
Terrence Jones 1,618,680 18.3 88,452.46
Andrew Nicholson 1,545,840 10.3 150,081.55
Ronny Turiaf 1,500,000 4.3 348,837.21
Donatas Motiejunas 1,483,920 14.4 103,050
Shawn Marion 1,448,490 11.0 131,680.91

Ordered by PER

Player Salary PER $/PER
Brandon Davies (TOT) 350,607 10.5 33,391.14
Chuck Hayes 5,958,750 10.4 572,956.73
Jason Maxiell 1,316,809 10.4 126,616.25
Andrew Nicholson 1,545,840 10.3 150,081.55
Jason Thompson 6,037,500 10.2 591,911.76
Josh McRoberts 5,305,000 10.2 520,098.04
Greg Smith 948,163 10.2 92,957.16

There are a few things to look at with Nicholson when determining his value.

The other players on these lists are mostly older guys. They were mid-level guys with better production off their rookie contracts who began to tail off. So, in that sense, the Magic are getting decent value it seems for Nicholson’s production. Looking at the players who have similar PER to Nicholson, Nicholson provides a pretty good value.

The only problem is that the guys who are surrounding him are all veterans. They got their paydays and then tailed off. Nicholson is on his rookie contract and trying to establish his career.

It all leads to this conclusion about Nicholson — which, frankly does not take a genius or any advanced analytics to find out: If Nicholson wants to get a payday (or rather, earn that payday), he needs to have a better season this year. He needs to show that there is more in the tank and produce at that level. Otherwise, he is probably not going to get a contract much larger than his rookie deal is worth.

Judging by these numbers, Nicholson is probably properly paid. But the Magic certainly expect more and he should certainly expect more from himself if he wants that payday in free agency next summer.

Verdict: Properly Paid, but disappointing

Next: Devyn Marble