Magic's Franz Wagner Set to Make All-Star Leap?
Despite missing the playoffs for a third straight season, the Orlando Magic are hitting a noticeable stride considering all the talent that the team has gathered over the past few years.
The Magic have put together one of the more interesting young rosters in the NBA. And while last offseason's No. 1 overall pick Paolo Banchero is a major reason why the Magic are buzzing, forward Franz Wagner could the difference in getting Orlando back to playoff contention due to his versatility on both ends.
Along the way, he's likely to make an All-Star appearance, something that Bleacher Report feels is inevitable when ranking which 2021 draft picks have the highest ceiling. Wagner came in fourth behind Oklahoma City Thunder guard Josh Giddey, Cleveland Cavaliers center Evan Mobley and Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham, who ranked Nos. 3 through 1, respectively.
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"At 6'9", Franz Wagner can play either forward position, but that doesn't really do his versatility justice. When operating on the perimeter, despite his forward-sized frame, he looks very much like a guard," Bleacher Report writes. " ... if he just stays on his current trajectory, Wagner could be competing for All-Star appearances as early as 2023-24."
Wagner has missed just five games in his NBA career, but started all other 159 contest. During his first two years in the league, he's averaged 16.9 points, 4.3 rebounds and 3.2 assists on 47.7/35.8/85 shooting splits.
"If he wasn't on the same roster as Paolo Banchero, those are the kind of numbers from a 21-year old that would have fans and media clamoring to call him a long-term No. 1 option," Bleacher Report writes.
Wagner and the Magic begin the season at home against the Houston Rockets on Wednesday, Oct. 25.
