Can Magic's Moe Wagner Show Progression With Germany in World Cup?
As has been noted over the past week, the Orlando Magic has plenty of FIBA talent that will be put on display in August. With a potential leap for the team as a whole on the horizon, fans may want to get a preview of what to expect from their players.
Germany has two of the team's players in Moe and Franz Wagner. Though Franz is the more intriguing player to watch for fans, Moe has the capability to lobby for backup center minutes, as their no sure answer to that position.
Playing against a solid team in Canada, Germany looked incredibly solid in their exhibition matches. If Moe Wagner can make a continued positive impact, his contribution to winning will be a good look ahead of the NBA season.
Wagner's biggest impact comes with his rebounds and being in scoring positions if the offense needs to defer to him and being willing to take a shot to keep the defense honest.
Heading into his sixth NBA season, Wagner has enough NBA experience to look like a complete NBA player on a consistent basis. The Magic center is headed to his fourth season playing with the team.
Wagner averaged 10.5 points per game in 19.5 minutes per game last season, finding ways to be efficient in less time on the court. He added 4.5 rebounds per game and shot 54 percent from the field, too.
Evidently, Wagner will have to find ways to remain a contributor alongside other talents. The Magic is full of young talent. Wagner, at best, is already a backup center and will face competition. Even though the FIBA World Cup isn't directly associated with the NBA, it will matter whether or not he shows progression.
At this stage in team's rebuild, every position needs to see growth on a year over year basis. Again, Germany is a talented team and could make some noise in the tournament.
You can follow Kade Kimble on Twitter @KadeKimble.
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