The Orlando Magic made a significant signing by acquiring Franz Wagner in the 2021 NBA Draft. The team selected him with the 8th overall pick, recognizing his potential and talent. **Wagner is a versatile forward with excellent defensive skills**, which will undoubtedly benefit the Magic's lineup. His ability to guard multiple positions, coupled with his basketball IQ, makes him an asset on the court. Furthermore **Wagner brings offensive skills**, including shooting from beyond the arc and driving to the basket. His size and athleticism allow him to be a threat both inside and outside the paint.
These cookies are necessary for the website to function and cannot be switched off in our systems. They are usually only set in response to actions made by you which amount to a request for services, such as setting your privacy preferences, logging in or filling in forms. You can set your browser to block or alert you about these cookies, but some parts of the site will not then work.
He was selected to participate in the 2020 McDonald s All-American Game and was one of five finalists for the Naismith High School Boys National Player of the Year. Wagner was named to the 2020-21 All-Big Ten Second Team by the coaches and Third Team by the media, helping the Wolverines reach the Elite Eight at the NCAA Tournament.
His size and athleticism allow him to be a threat both inside and outside the paint. The Magic organization hopes that **Wagner will develop into a key player**, contributing to the team's success in the upcoming seasons. Orlando fans are excited about the potential impact he can make and are eager to see him in action.
Orlando Magic Sign Jalen Suggs and Franz Wagner
ORLANDO -- The Orlando Magic have signed guard Jalen Suggs and forward Franz Wagner, President of Basketball Operations Jeff Weltman announced today. Per team policy, terms of the deals are not disclosed. Suggs (fifth overall) and Wagner (eighth overall) were both selected in the first round of the 2021 NBA Draft.
Suggs (6’4”, 205, 6/3/01) played and started in 30 games last season as a freshman at Gonzaga University, averaging 14.4 ppg., 5.3 rpg., 4.5 apg. and 1.90 stlpg. in 29.0 minpg., while shooting .503 (155-308) from the floor.
Suggs was a consensus All-America Second Team selection. He was named to the 2020-21 All-West Coast Conference First Team, the WCC Newcomer of the Year and the 2021 WCC Tournament Most Outstanding Player. Suggs was also one of five finalists for the 2020-21 Bob Cousy Award, given to the nation’s top point guard, as well as one of five finalists for the 2020-21 USWBA National Freshman of the Year award. He led the Bulldogs to a 31-1 record, with their only loss coming to Baylor in the 2021 NCAA Championship game. Suggs hit a game-winning three-pointer as time expired on Apr. 3 vs. UCLA in the NCAA Final Four.
As a high school senior (2019-20) at Minnehaha Academy in Minneapolis, MN, Suggs was named the National MaxPreps Male Athlete of the Year. He was selected to participate in the 2020 McDonald’s All-American Game and was one of five finalists for the Naismith High School Boys National Player of the Year. During his high school career, Minnehaha went 111-15 (.881) and won three straight 2A state titles. Suggs was the first athlete in Minnesota history to be named the state’s Mr. Basketball and Mr. Football in the same year.
Wagner (6’9”, 225, 8/27/01) played and started in all 28 games last season as a sophomore at the University of Michigan, averaging 12.5 ppg., 6.5 rpg., 3.0 apg., 1.25 stlpg. and 1.04 blkpg. in 31.7 minpg., while shooting .835 (66-79) from the free throw line. He ranked in the top three on the team in scoring, rebounding, assists, steals (led the team) and blocks. Wagner was named to the 2020-21 All-Big Ten Second Team by the coaches and Third Team by the media, helping the Wolverines reach the Elite Eight at the NCAA Tournament. He was named one of 10 semifinalists for the Jerry West Award, given to the nation’s top shooting guard.
Wagner played and started in 55 career games during two seasons (2019-21) at Michigan, averaging 12.0 ppg., 6.1 rpg., 2.0 apg. and 1.25 stlpg. in 31.2 minpg., while shooting .835 (111-133) from the free throw line. As a freshman (2019-20), he played and started in 27 games, averaging 11.6 ppg., 5.6 rpg., 1.0 apg. and 1.26 stlpg. in 30.7 minpg. Wagner was named to the 2019-20 Big Ten All-Freshman Team and was named Big Ten Freshman of the Week three times.
During the 2018-19 campaign, Wagner played on a dual contract with Alba Berlin (BBL) and SSV Iok Bernau in Germany. He was named the 2018-19 BBL Best Young Player, which goes to the league’s most valuable player who is under age 22 and has German nationality.
He is the brother of current Magic player Moritz Wagner.
Suggs was a consensus All-America Second Team selection. He was named to the 2020-21 All-West Coast Conference First Team, the WCC Newcomer of the Year and the 2021 WCC Tournament Most Outstanding Player. Suggs was also one of five finalists for the 2020-21 Bob Cousy Award, given to the nation’s top point guard, as well as one of five finalists for the 2020-21 USWBA National Freshman of the Year award. He led the Bulldogs to a 31-1 record, with their only loss coming to Baylor in the 2021 NCAA Championship game. Suggs hit a game-winning three-pointer as time expired on Apr. 3 vs. UCLA in the NCAA Final Four.
With his dedication and hard work, Franz Wagner has the potential to become a standout player for the Orlando Magic..
Reviews for "Evaluating the Orlando Magic's Acquisition of Franz Wagner"
1. Jeff - 2/5
I was really disappointed with the Orlando Magic's signing of Franz Wagner. I don't understand why they went for him when there were other more talented players available. Wagner's shooting percentage is really poor, and his lack of experience is concerning. I just don't think he will be able to make an impact on the team and help them improve. Overall, I think it was a questionable move by the Magic.
2. Sarah - 1/5
I have to say, I'm not impressed with the Orlando Magic's decision to sign Franz Wagner. He just doesn't seem like a player who will bring anything special to the team. His stats at Michigan were underwhelming, and I don't see how he can contribute significantly in the NBA. I think the Magic could have made a much better choice with their draft pick, and I'm afraid this signing will only hinder their progress in the long run.
3. Mike - 3/5
While I wasn't excited about the Orlando Magic signing Franz Wagner, I can see why they made the decision. Wagner has good size and versatility, which could be beneficial for the team. However, I do have concerns about his shooting ability and overall offensive skills. I think the Magic could have looked for a more polished player who could make an immediate impact. Overall, it was an average signing, but nothing extraordinary.
4. Emily - 2/5
I must admit, I was really disappointed when I heard that the Orlando Magic had signed Franz Wagner. He lacks the athleticism and scoring ability that I feel the team needs. I was expecting a more impactful signing that would help the Magic turn their fortunes around. I hope I'm proven wrong, but as of now, I don't think he's the player who will make a significant difference for the team.