Although the Magic have a ton of young talent with Cole Anthony, Markelle Fultz, Johnathan Isaac, RJ Hampton, Wendell Carter Jr., Mo Bamba… Franz Wagner might just be the brightest one.
Franz Wagner has been on an absolute tear this season and just going insane for a rookie as of recent. Wagner is averaging 20.7 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 2.4 APG while shooting 46.3% from the field and 35.1% from three. Before the draft, Wagner was seen for his ability to run the floor and also be able to be a really good defender.
Although his assist numbers aren’t super high this year as he’s averaging 2.7 APG, I expect that to increase. For the season so far, Wagner is averaging 15.8 PPG, 4.7 RPG, and 2.7 APG. Wagner this season so far has shown the ability to shoot the ball, shooting 37% from three while attempting at around 4 attempts a game. Wagner is also able to run the floor and also finish inside really well for a small forward that is 6’10. Franz Wagner is looking like the star on the Magic and the future SF they’ve been chasing.
I’m not here saying Wagner is going to be the next Luka or Jayson Tatum or something, but he’s definitely going to be a problem for a long time. I was really hoping to see the breakout of Johnathan Isaac on the Magic as a wing, but it’s nice to see another wing having a great season for the Magic and at only 20 years old.
“I think sky’s the limit for him. For real.”
Giannis Antetokoumpo on wagner
Although the Magic have been underwhelming this year with a record of 7-29, Wagner is looking like the first ROTY for the team since Mike Miller in 2001. If he can keep up his play as of recent, there is no doubt he will be the rookie of the year this season.
