Franz Wagner is a professional basketball player who currently plays for the Orlando Magic in the NBA. He was born on August 27, 2001, in Berlin, Germany. Wagner comes from a basketball family as his father is a professional basketball coach, and his older brother, Moritz Wagner, also plays in the NBA. After completing his high school basketball career in Germany, Wagner moved to the United States to play college basketball for the University of Michigan. During his freshman season in 2019-2020, Wagner played a key role in the Wolverines' success, helping them reach the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament. Following his successful freshman season, Wagner decided to declare for the NBA Draft.
Franz Wagner is taking the league by storm, entering his third season in the NBA. The 22-year-old was selected eighth overall in the 2021 NBA Draft by the Orlando Magic. He has so far proven to be a valuable piece. The lengthy German out of Michigan is coming off his best season and should only continue to improve going into this year.
But stardom feels more and more within his grasp and those who saw him as nothing more than a role player on draft night are looking like they might have missed the mark. The team knows what it is good at sharing the ball to find easy baskets, spacing the floor and playing solid defense and what it needs to continue to improve on avoiding turnovers, crashing the boards and shooting accurately from 3-point range.
Following his successful freshman season, Wagner decided to declare for the NBA Draft. He was selected with the 8th overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft by the Orlando Magic. The Magic saw great potential in Wagner, given his size, athleticism, and basketball IQ.
3 draft day Franz Wagner takes that were laughably wrong
Most draft analysts saw a potentially useful role player in Franz Wagner before the NBA Draft. But this could be the season he breaks out as a legit star.
By Ian Levy | Sep 12, 2023
Mar 16, 2023; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner (22) reacts against the / Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Prev Prev 1 of 3 Next NextFranz Wagner has been overlooked before. Despite intriguing size and mobility, a well-established two-way skill set and a competitive pedigree at Michigan, he fell to the Orlando Magic at No. 8 in the NBA Draft.
Wagner started 79 games as a rookie, averaging 15.2 points, 4.5 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game but finished a somewhat distant fifth in the Rookie of the Year voting. He was even better in his second season, averaging similar box score stats but improving his shooting percentages across the board in 80 starts.
He followed up that strong season with special performances in the first two games of the FIBA World Cup this summer, totaling 32 points, 12 rebounds, 7 assists, 2 steals and 2 blocks in just 57 minutes before an ankle injury kept him out of the rest of the tournament.
In just two seasons, it seems like he has already hit his perceived draft floor as a high-level, hyper-efficient complementary player making two-way impact. But stardom feels more and more within his grasp and those who saw him as nothing more than a role player on draft night are looking like they might have missed the mark.
Wagner made his NBA debut with the Orlando Magic in October 2021. He has since been a regular contributor to the team's rotation, showcasing his versatility on both ends of the floor. Wagner is known for his defensive skills, as he can guard multiple positions and disrupt opponents' offensive plays. Offensively, Wagner has shown flashes of his potential, displaying a solid shooting stroke and the ability to attack the rim. He has also shown good court vision and passing ability, making him a valuable asset for the Magic's offensive schemes. As a young player, Wagner still has room for development and improvement. He has shown a strong work ethic and a willingness to learn from experienced teammates and coaches. With time and experience, Wagner has the potential to become an impactful player for the Orlando Magic. In conclusion, Franz Wagner is a promising young talent for the Orlando Magic. With his skills, versatility, and basketball pedigree, he has the potential to make a significant impact on the team's success. Magic fans have high hopes for Wagner's future in the NBA, and it will be exciting to watch his growth as a player..
Reviews for "Orlando Magic Rookie Franz Wagner Adapted to NBA Speed"
1. John Doe - 1 star
I was really excited when I heard that the Orlando Magic had drafted Franz Wagner. I had seen some highlights of him in college and thought he would be a great addition to the team. However, after watching him play for a few games, I have been extremely disappointed. He seems to lack the athleticism and skills to compete at the NBA level. His shooting is inconsistent, and he often makes poor decisions on the court. I really hope he can improve, but right now, I just don't see him being a valuable player for the Magic.
2. Sarah Smith - 2 stars
Franz Wagner has been a major disappointment for the Orlando Magic. I had high hopes for him as a young talent, but he has not lived up to expectations. His shooting percentage is abysmal, and he seems lost on defense. He lacks the aggressiveness and confidence needed to succeed in the NBA. I understand that he is still young and has a lot of room to grow, but right now, he is simply not performing at a level that justifies his spot on the team. The Magic need to seriously reassess his role and development moving forward.
3. Robert Johnson - 1.5 stars
Franz Wagner's performance for the Orlando Magic has been underwhelming, to say the least. He shows flashes of potential, but those moments are few and far between. His shooting is inconsistent, and he often seems hesitant to make plays on the court. His lack of assertiveness and inability to make a significant impact on the game are major concerns. I had high hopes for him, but right now, he doesn't seem to be contributing much to the team. I hope he can turn things around, but as of now, I am not impressed with his performance.