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2014-15 Position-by-Position Breakdown: Power Forward

Josh Cohen
Digital News Manager

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By John DentonSept. 9, 2014

ORLANDO -- No position on the Orlando Magic’s roster speaks more to the talent, depth and versatility of the squad than the power forward slot.

Additions made over the summer combined with improvements by returning players should give Magic head coach Jacque Vaughn plenty of options when formulating rotations for the season ahead. The depth of talent and overall variety of players at the power forward position should allow the Magic to play either physical against bigger teams or small and athletic against perimeter-based teams.

Free-agent newcomer Channing Frye is expected to be the starter at power forward, and he will most likely be backed up by the blossoming Kyle O'Quinn and Andrew Nicholson. And in certain situations, Tobias Harris and rookie Aaron Gordon can play small forward to give the Magic more speed and athleticism along the front line.

With the start of Orlando’s training camp just three weeks away, OrlandoMagic.com is breaking down each position with some in-depth analysis. For a look back at analysis of the center position, click HERE. Today, we break down the Magic’s strengths and weaknesses at the power forward position:

POSITION: Power forward

PROJECTED STARTER: Channing Frye (2013-14 stats: 82 games, 11.1 ppg., 5.1. rpg., 38.5 3FG percentage).

PROJECTED RESERVES: Kyle O’Quinn (2013-14 stats: 69 games, 6.2 ppg., 5.3 rpg., 1.28 bpg); Andrew Nicholson (2013-14 stats: 76 games, 5.7 ppg., 3.4 rpg., 42.9 FG percentage, 31.5 3FG percentage).

OVERVIEW: While some national analysts scoffed at Orlando’s July addition of Channing Frye through free agency, advanced metrics proved the veteran power forward to be one of the most impactful players in the NBA last season. Frye was a driving force behind Phoenix’s surprising season a year ago and standouts Goran Dragic and Eric Bledsoe were dramatically better when Frye was on the floor because of his ability to stretch defenses. The Magic feel the same will be true in Orlando where Frye’s shooting will create driving lanes for Victor Oladipo and Elfrid Payton and allow for single coverage for Nikola Vucevic and Tobias Harris. O’Quinn’s value to the Magic will once again be quite evident as he will be the primary backup at both the power forward and center positions. Harris – Frye’s first cousin – and rookie Aaron Gordon can also provide depth and tremendous athleticism at the power forward slot in smaller lineups. Orlando is also hopeful of Nicholson having a big bounce-back season following a drop off in several statistical areas last season.

STRENGTHS: Frye gives the Magic their first true ``stretch 4’’ since the days of Rashard Lewis and Ryan Anderson three years ago. Frye is a career 38.5 percent 3-point shooter. He’s made at least 160 3-pointers in three of the past four seasons. Last season with the Suns, Frye made six 3-pointers in January against Milwaukee, hit five threes in a game six times and connected on at least three triples 25 times. He dropped 30 points on the Denver Nuggets in January by putting on a 10-of-12 shooting exhibition (with five-of-seven 3-point shooting). Also, he scored at least 20 points in 11 games. If he can once again play 82 games, shoot the ball well from 3-point range and mentor the Magic’s young players he will be free-agent dollars well spent for the franchise. The versatility of O’Quinn and Harris – both of whom can play two positions – rounds out the depth at power forward.

WEAKNESSES: While Frye is an ultra-intelligent defender capable of guarding centers or power forwards, physicality isn’t one of his, umm, strengths. He, O’Quinn and Nicholson, along with Vucevic at center, will have to be strong rebounders and defenders for the Magic to hold their own against bigger frontlines and aggressive power forwards. Rebounding is a major question mark for this group. Harris, who has split time between small forward and power forward the past two seasons, has added some noticeable muscle this offseason and could push for more minutes along the frontline. He is an above-average rebounder for his size and it will be interesting to see him and Frye play together this season when they shift to power forward and center respectively. Time will tell if Gordon, a power forward in college, can play the power forward position in the NBA with his somewhat sleight 230-pound frame.

EXPECTATIONS: Frye is a major upgrade at the power forward slot what with his off-the-charts basketball intelligence, shooting stroke from 3-point range and his defensive versatility. And his true impact could be felt in the trickle-down effect that he has on others on the roster (primarily Oladipo and Harris). O’Quinn thrived as a starting power forward late last season and he will continue to supplement the center and power forward positions. Nicholson has worked hard this summer on getting back to the strong post game that made him a first-round draft pick in 2012 and a solid rookie in 2013. Too much time at the 3-point line last season sapped his aggressiveness and zapped his confidence. And if Harris and Gordon prove an ability to hold up physically at the power forward slot it will offer head coach Jacque Vaughn lots of options when it comes to his player rotations.