Andrew Nicholson: Highlights, Analysis and Pro Projections
Andrew Nicholson is the most skilled post player in this draft, but hailing from St. Bonaventure and possessing less-than freakish athleticism will keep him out of the lottery. Nicholson led the Bonnies to an NCAA tournament appearance.
He is the rare four-year player projected for the first round of the NBA draft. In his senior season Nicholson averaged 18.5 points, 8.4 rebounds and two blocks per game. His game is not flashy, but it's effective.
Nicholson is already a legend on the St. Bonaventure campus. His arrival and presence has meant so much to the program. Pete Thamel of the NY Times speaks to Nicholson's impact on the Bonnies:
"If that confluence of events appears improbable, consider the results that Nicholson produced since arriving four years ago. He is poised to become the rare physics major to be picked in the first round of the N.B.A. draft. He has emerged as the face of the university in the wake of a searing scandal nine years ago and has carried a program with the smallest budget in the Atlantic 10 to the N.C.A.A. tournament.
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Nicholson has been called the eighth-best PF prospect in this draft, and compared to David West by ESPN's Chad Ford. But I think he is better than eighth and a different player than West.
He possesses advanced post skills, and he is longer and leaner than West. They both have simplistic but effective games, but I believe there is a better comparison.
Here is a scouting report on Nicholson, highlighting his strengths and weaknesses.
(Height, weight and stats per statsheet.com)
Profile
Height: 6'9"
Weight: 240 pounds
School: St. Bonaventure
Date of Birth: December 8, 1989
Best NBA Position: Power Forward
College Stats: 18.7 PPG, 30.1 MPG, 57.1 FG%, 43.4 3FG%, 77.6 FT%, 1 APG, 8.4 RPG, 2 BPG, 0.7 SPG
Skill Grades
Athleticism: B+
Size: A-
Intangibles: A+
Rebounding: B-
Ball Handling: B+
Defense: B+
Shooting: A+
Passing: B-
Post Game: A+
Basketball IQ: A
Upside: A
Strengths
Nicholson has decent height that is augmented by his formidable wingspan. He has decent mass, and the frame to add needed strength. Maturity shouldn't be an issue for Nicholson. He is a four-year college player, and he'll turn 23 during his rookie season. He is very coachable and a leader by example.
He has the most developed set of post moves in the draft. His footwork is extremely advanced, and he loves the drop step. He can finish with either hand, face-up and knock down the jump shot or take the ball to the rim.
He shows a very good understanding of the game, especially offensively, and an overall high basketball IQ. Because of his scoring ability he has a lot to offer a team looking for a young post scorer.
Take a look at the footwork and touch from Nicholson:
Weaknesses
Nicholson is just an average athlete. He doesn't have an explosive first step. What he does on offense is more about technique than it is about athleticism.
This is good and bad.
If you combine great technique with great athleticism you have a special player. Nicholson only has one of the two things. He is a decent rebounder, but sometimes he tends to fall asleep in this area, especially on defense.
As a ballhandler he doesn't have advanced dribble-drive moves. Though this isn't a huge issue, it would make his already solid offensive game even better. Nicholson could also stand to improve his passing out of double teams.
Sometimes he forces things, and this could be due to playing with talent that wasn't on his level, but he must be a more willing passer out of the post.
NBA Player Comparison
Slightly More Athletic Zach Randolph (Right-Handed Of Course)
Charles Barkley once said that Randolph had an "effective ugly game." It's true there is nothing flashy about what Randolph does, but when you look at the box score he has often tallied 18 points and 10 rebounds.
Randolph has great footwork, long arms and a great shooting touch around the basket. He can also step out to 17 feet and knock down jump shots. At 6'9", 253 pounds Randolph and Nicholson are nearly the same size, but Randolph is a little bulkier.
Nicholson can easily add the bulk, but the skill set is similar and Nicholson won't take as long to mature mentally. Z-Bo has averaged 17 points and nine rebounds in his 11-year career.
His lack of athleticism and possibly some questions about his attitude had him drafted 19th overall in 2001.
Despite averaging 20-and-10 six times in his career, he has only made one All-Star appearance and one All-NBA team (2010). This may seem like a lofty comparison, but Nicholson is a player, and he will surprise people if he's given the opportunity.
Draft Projection
Late First Round
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