Andrew Nicholson to Replace Injured Andre Drummond in Rising Stars Challenge

Detroit Pistons rookie big man Andre Drummond is out with a back injury, and he’s being replaced at All-Star Weekend by Andrew Nicholson of the Magic. Per the Orlando Sentinel: “Orlando Magic rookie power forward Andrew Nicholson had planned to spend at least some of All-Star Weekend at the beach. He’ll have to adjust those plans to include landlocked Houston. Nicholson and Magic officials have learned he has been chosen to replace injured Andre Drummond in the Rising Stars Challenge on Feb. 15. ‘I’m very excited,’ Nicholson said. ‘It’s definitely a blessing and an opportunity to go out there and represent for the organization as best I can on such a big stage like that.’ Nicholson is averaging 7.6 points per game, and he leads the Magic in points per 48 minutes, with 23.8. The Magic used the 19th overall pick in last June’s draft to select Nicholson out of St. Bonaventure. Nicholson had hoped to be selected for the Rising Stars Challenge, which is more commonly known as the rookie-sophomore game. ‘It’s been one of my goals throughout the whole year,’ he said. ‘I’ve had a good group of guys around me to help me achieve that. I see this more as like a team achievement. My coach in college always used to teach us that. It’s not like I did this by myself. I had help on and off the court. The vets have helped me to understand the game better.'”