Magic SF Franz Wagner's Defense Key to Versatile Lineups

On a recent podcast appearance, Orlando Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley suggested that Franz Wagner will be a defensive anchor.

The Orlando Magic are hoping to improve their defense behind their young core. Last season, the Magic were ranked 18th in the league in Defensive Rating. For such a young team, being mediocre on the defensive end of the floor was to be expected, and not having a league-worse defense was definitely something to be proud of.

As the Magic find their groove building around budding stars Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, versatility on both ends of the floor will be key. Fans have already seen Banchero run point and with do-all players like Wagner, Gary Harris, and (hopefully) Jett Howard, head coach Jamahl Mosley will have nearly unlimited freedom when it comes to building lineups.

Between Cole Anthony, Jalen Suggs, Anthony Black, and Markelle Fultz, the Magic have more young guard depth than anyone, so Mosley can plug and play any of the young guards and play to each one of their strengths. Usually, when there isn’t an anchor in the backcourt, team defense struggles. However, Mosley seems confident that his forwards will be able to provide some help not always readily available in the offensive-minded league.

On Franz Wagner, Mosley only had positive things to say on a recent appearance with the HoopsHype podcast:

“What I saw was his defensive ability to show [at the FIBA World Cup]. Franz did a great job of switching when it came to guard certain guards. I think that’s going to be the biggest key as he comes back here. Our ability to guard, which I was so happy to watch them (Banchero and Wagner) do at times, is going to skyrocket us to what we’re capable of doing.”

Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero meet at half court during a game against Boston / David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

No matter who Mosley puts in the backcourt, as long as his emerging stars in Wagner and Banchero are on the court, defense will not be an issue. He was clearly watching Wagner lead Germany to the FIBA World Title, and will most likely give Wagner the freedom and leadership roles he received this summer. With a frontcourt of Wendell Carter Jr., Banchero, and Wagner, the Magic can opt to play anyone they want at guard. Shooting? Add offseason acquisition Joe Ingles and Gary Harris. Playmaking? Fultz can do that. Stifling defense at the end of a close game? I don’t see anyone scoring on a backcourt of Suggs and Anthony, especially when they’re backed up by a trio of 6’10” players.

Will the Magic be one of the best defensive teams next year? Probably not, as they are still young and not expected to make the playoffs. But on a team headlined by a history featuring Shaq, McGrady, and Hardaway, it will be nice to see some Dwight Howard-esque defensive thinking as the Magic try to build something special.