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Orlando Magic Mid-Season Player Grades

By Brett David Roberts

iMar 8, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart (36) shoots in between Orlando Magic guard Victor Oladipo (5) and guard Elfrid Payton (4) during the third quarter at Amway Center. Orlando Magic defeated Boston Celtics 103-98. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
iMar 8, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart (36) shoots in between Orlando Magic guard Victor Oladipo (5) and guard Elfrid Payton (4) during the third quarter at Amway Center. Orlando Magic defeated Boston Celtics 103-98. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Andrew Nicholson, Orlando Magic
Nov 23, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Orlando Magic forward Andrew Nicholson (44) drives to the basket in the second quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /

C+. <p><strong>Offensive Rating:</strong> 79.4<br /> <strong>Defensive Rating:</strong> 74.0</p><div class=. PF. Orlando Magic. ANDREW NICHOLSON

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C+

Offensive Rating: 79.4
Defensive Rating: 74.0

Andrew Nicholson’s surprising ascent to relevancy has been one of this season’s main storylines. He mostly lingered in obscurity prior to the Skiles era but he has now become a main cog in the second unit and his court-stretching set shot from behind the arc has become a big part of his value to Orlando.

Nicholson still has strides to make defensively, but his length covers a multitude of sins. Often beat off the dribble, Nicholson is one of the better at recovering to contest a shot or get a block from behind.

Nicholson is averaging 7.2 points and four rebounds per game in 17 minutes per night, but his shooting has been relatively on point. He is shooting the highest field goal percentage he had since his rookie season, while also seeing the most minutes of his NBA career.

It seems Nicholson has a spot in the NBA, but it remains unclear whether that niche can continue to be filled in Orlando.

The Magic may receive some bites for his services as the trade deadline approaches and his contract is friendly enough that Orlando could involve him as a throw in on a bigger deal.

Does it make sense to trade one of the best bench scorers? Probably, but only if Orlando can snag a post defender and shot blocker. It is not beyond the realm of possibility that Nicholson has been showcased to be moved at optimum value.

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