The Orlando Magic who were viewed as a very young and loaded with potential have taken a big step back. Last week they fired Head Coach Jacque Vaughn and now we could be seeing the fallout here with the news of 2nd year Forward Andrew Nicholson being made available for trade. The trade deadline is next week and The Magic could be looking to unload a few pieces that are underachieving and Nicholson is one of them averaging 3 points per game in 18 games this season. Nicholson looked to be developing into a solid stretch 4 at the end of his rookie season since then he’s taking big strides backwards though.
The selection of Power Forward Aaron Gordon kind of sealed Nicholson’s fate with the team I think and it’s clear that Orlando has seen enough. With Orlando sitting at 17-39 I can see them trying to unload not only Nicholson but Channing Frye as well. A signing that has failed for them so far and either player could help a contending team for the right price obviously. I think Nicholson can develop under a coach like a Rick Carlisle who gets the best out of his players and is pretty good at developing young players.
I see Nicholson at a stage that Forward Brandan Wright was at years ago with Golden State a raw stretch Forward that didn’t scratch the surface of his potential, but went to Dallas and grew into a pretty nice player on both sides of the ball. Next Week we will find out if Nicholson is dealt and I think he will be as his time in Orlando seems to be coming to an end.
