Mar 29, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic forward Andrew Nicholson (44) drives to the basket against the Brooklyn Nets during the second half at Amway Center. Orlando Magic defeated the Brooklyn Nets 139-105. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Washington Wizards: 10 Reasons To Be Optimistic About Next Season

Washington Wizards: 10 Reasons To Be Optimistic About Next Season by Nithin Kuchibhotla

The Washington Wizards needed to add a young big man with upside, and they found a gem in Andrew Nicholson

Whether it’s because of their poor talent evaluation or lack of opportunity, the Washington Wizards aren’t one of those teams that randomly stumbles upon gems very often.

The San Antonio Spurs, for instance, have always relied on their advanced scouting to find lesser known players that become contributors right out of the gate.

Since they missed out on landing a star this summer, the Wizards decided to fill out their roster by adding pieces to their bench, improving the depth of their team.

For the most part, we know what the Wizards are going to get from Ian Mahinmi.

The former Indiana Pacers center was considered one of the best defensive players in the NBA this past season, sporting the 10th best defensive rating in the entire league (higher than Draymond Green, Bismack Biyombo and Paul George).

Washington wanted to add size and rim protection, so they paid $64 million for Mahinmi’s services.

In terms of the back court, the Wizards know they’re going to get length and versatility from Tomas Satoransky.

At 6’7″, he’s going to be able to play multiple positions, run the offense and knock down the occasional spot-up jump shot. The same applies to Trey Burke, who’s more of an inefficient scoring guard hoping to increase his percentages in a new system.

Jason Smith has been around the league forever and will bring the same thing to the table to Washington as he did his previous four NBA stops.

He’s a solid shot blocker and he’s seemingly automatic from the mid-range area.

Giving Smith a multi-year deal when younger options, like Jared Sullinger, were available for a similar price tag wasn’t necessarily the most prudent move, but he’s not going to come with any surprises.

Then there’s a bit of an unknown in Andrew Nicholson.

After the Washington Wizards agreed to a relatively cheap deal with Nicholson, I called it their best move of the summer.

The 26-year-old has the potential to become the diamond in the rough that Washington should have been looking for this off-season.

Washington needed to add a young, developing big to their roster and they got that with Nicholson. But, most importantly, he’s already shown that he’s capable of producing. He simply just needs playing time and a coach who believes in him.

Averaging about 17 points and 9 rebounds per-36 minutes, Nicholson will compete for the backup power forward spot in Washington.

Nicholson, who didn’t attempt any 3-point shots during his rookie season, made 36 percent of his 114 total attempts with the Magic last year.

His minutes have been rather erratic, though.

Due to poor coaching or something behind the scenes – probably the former – Nicholson’s playing time has steadily decreased since his rookie year, even though he’s improved his game.

Nicholson played a career-high 17 minutes per game during his first season, but that dipped to below 15 last year.

Nicholson possesses great footwork on the low block, which isn’t something most young big men have nowadays.

He’s capable of scoring inside and out, both as a face up threat and a pick-and-pop option from deep. He’s going to give the Washington Wizards a different look on offensive, and they lacked that this past season.

His defense is still suspect at best. He’s not the quickest big in the world nor the most athletic.

He’s averaged less than half a block per game for his career, and there’s not much upside in that area. But, if he can maintain his ground in the post and rebound effectively, then he should at least become average defensively.

A lot of people really glossed over this signing, but Nicholson has a chance to finally break out in Washington.

If Scott Brooks is the coach we think he is, then Nicholson will get the opportunity to play and develop. The numbers have treated Nicholson well, and for the most part, he passes the eye test too.

Nicholson isn’t very flashy and he certainly won’t sell many jerseys, but his game will translate well to a versatile system.