How Can Andrew Nicholson Improve?

Surprising Interior Defense

Nicholson has not had much success in the league, but he does bring a few positives to the table. One positive is surprisingly his interior defense.

Opponents shot 51.4 percent from within six feet of the basket against him. That is 6.5 percentage points better than the league average of 57.5 percent. He also conceded shots at 45.5 percent from within 10 feet, with the league average being 52.7 percent.

He was significantly above average in defending inside statistically, albeit often against rotation players. He also averaged about a block per 36 minutes, which was fourth on the team.

His frame shows a lot of defensive potential.

He was measured at the draft combine with a 7-foot-4 wingspan and a 30.5-inch vertical. As a comparison, DeAndre Jordan was measured at about the same for his vertical.

When Nicholson is in position, it would seem, he is capable of playing better defense and bucking perceptions about him on that end.

On the offensive end, he does have some bright spots.

He does not turn the ball over at a high rate.

He shot well from some high efficiency spots, shooting about 37 percent from above the break threes and 74.2 percent from the restricted area.

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He was also effective when involved in transition.

He was tied with Nikola Vucevic for the team lead with 1.38 points per possession in transition. He had a 53.8 field goal percentage in transition, but had a 65.4 effective field goal percentage, meaning he shot transition threes effectively.

Of course, Nicholson only had 13 possessions in transition, signalling both a failure for the Magic to get out and run while he was on the court or perhaps Nicholson’s inability to get involved in these types of plays.

Nicholson does have some strengths already, but he also has a lot to improve on if he is going to make an impact in the league.

Next: A Negative Effect