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Magic SF Franz Wagner Best Second-Year Player?
ORLANDO - Orlando Magic small forward Franz Wagner has quietly had a great second season in the NBA.
Behind the success stories of Paolo Banchero and Markelle Fultz, Wagner has made his mark and grown to become a consistent force in the Magic lineup.
As the No. 8 overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, Wagner looked like a steal last season when he was named to the All-Rookie First Team. And he continues to look like a steal, ranking second on NBA.com's ranking of second-year players.
The only player to rank higher than Wagner is Cleveland Cavaliers power forward Evan Mobley, who is helping his team reach the playoffs for the first time since 2018.
The only player to average more points than Wagner is Houston Rockets shooting guard Jalen Green, who is averaging 22 points per game.
Wagner ranks second in points, sixth in rebounds, while also placing third in assists and minutes.
His consistency has been well-appreciated in the Magic lineup and he'll be looked at as a source for offense, defense and leadership both on and off the court as Orlando trudges along in its rebuild, that is accelerated large in part to Wagner's development through his first two seasons.
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