Washington Wizards: 2016 Offseason Grades
Nabbing Nicholson
Andrew Nicholson probably won’t make a massive difference for Washington’s frontcourt, but on a four-year, $26 million deal, he’s a useful bench piece coming in with a modest price tag.
Though his best statistical year was his rookie season, the four-year pro out of St. Bonaventure had a hard time finding minutes in the Orlando Magic’s crowded frontcourt. Still, he helped repair some of his free agency value off the bench last year, averaging 6.9 points and 3.4 rebounds in only 14.7 minutes per game.
Andrew Nicholson shot 50% in the post, 60% finishing around the rim, and an eFG% of 56% spotting up last season in Orlando.
— Synergy Basketball (@SynergySST) July 3, 2016
That’s solid production for a player who was used so sparingly, and Nicholson also posted efficient .471/.360/.785 shooting splits in the process. If the Wizards get similar effort out of him behind Markieff Morris, they should be more than pleased with the value here.
There’s a chance Nicholson’s 36 percent shooting from three-point range was a one-year fluke, but this 26-year-old still has potential that was never fully tapped in Orlando. Perhaps playing on a more experienced Wizards team will help him find it, although it’s worth noting that four years is quite a lengthy leap of faith.
Grade: B-
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