#4 Franz Wagner – Forward – Michigan
Franz Wagner is a very unique prospect in this year’s draft because while he is definitely not the most athletic prospect nor have a ton of potential to grow, he is still considered a Top-10 worthy pick. The brother of NBA big man Moritz Wagner, who played 11 games with the Orlando Magic this past season, Franz is a very unique prospect in this year’s draft class because he can do a little bit of everything on the court.
He did not participate in this year’s draft combine, so his measurements are a little uncertain, but he has been listed at about 6’9” and is a talented, modern-day wing in the league. Wagner can pass, he can shoot and possesses great length on the wing, which is why he is exactly what the Magic could need in a new wing.
The best word to describe Franz Wagner is “playmaker,” as that is exactly what he is on the wing. He was a catalyst for Michigan in the two years he spent in Ann Arbor and possesses the potential to grow into a reliable “3-and-D” type of player at the small-forward position.
There are definitely inconsistencies with Franz Wagner’s game in terms of his shot selection and basketball IQ with the ball in his hands, but he is always wanting to make plays out there on the court for both himself and his teammates. Orlando needs a guy who is ready to contribute and in many ways, especially on the wing, which is why they could want Wagner in this year’s draft.
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Terrence Ross is a likely trade candidate this offseason for the Magic and with James Ennis III and Otto Porter Jr. both being free agents, this team really does not have much talent that they can put on the wing. Addressing the small-forward position is definitely going to be something the Magic look to do, which is why adding Franz Wagner with the 8th overall pick could make sense.
Franz Wagner is not a guy that possesses a ton of upside as a prospect and is definitely not the most talented player in this draft class, but he is one of the more well-polished in multiple aspects of the game.
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From offense to defense, Wagner can do a little bit of everything for Orlando, which is exactly what they need. This team is just looking for guys who can contribute and help them rebuild over the next few years, which is why Franz Wagner to the Orlando Magic seems plausible. Having a steady presence and a guy in which you know what you are going to get from on the wing is valuable in the league and Wagner is definitely a guy who is ready to contribute in many different ways.