Andrew Nicholson, Washington Wizards
- Position: Power Forward
- Age: 26 (12/08/1989)
- Height, Weight: 6’9″ , 250 pounds
- Career Slash Line: .473/.336/.780
- Career Averages: 15.1 MPG, 6.5 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 0.5 APG, 0.4 BPG, 0.2 SPG
2012 first round pick Andrew Nicholson had a mostly unremarkable career with the Orlando Magic. It began with a solid rookie season from the 26-year-old, but the next two featured a severe regression. Last season was a promising return to form in a contract year.
Nicholson wisely chose to move on in free agency to the Washington Wizards. Increased production from three-point range (he shot a career high 36.0% in 2015-16) led to a four-year, $26 million contract.
But the former St. Bonaventure product is more than just a shooter. He is comfortable attempting to score with his back to the basket. Post-ups accounted for 32.3% of Nicholson’s play types in 2015-16, and he finished in the 78th percentile (according to NBA.com) of points per possession on post-up plays. Pretty impressive.
A fresh start is just what Nicholson needed. In Washington, under head coach Scott Brooks he’ll have his best chance to succeed yet.