The Magic Insider

Magic SF Franz Wagner: 4 'Pieces' for Success

"For Franz, I think people got to see a glimpse of what we’ve known for quite some time," Orlando Magic coach Jamahl Mosley said. "Since we’ve drafted him, we’ve talked about his high basketball IQ, his work ethic, care for the game and attention to detail. He has all of those pieces."

Jeremy Brener

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ORLANDO - Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner has enjoyed a successful summer, winning gold at the FIBA World Cup with Germany. He's hoping he'll be able to parlay that with his most successful NBA season to date.

Wagner, 22, is entering his third season with the Magic after being selected with the No. 8 overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft. In his first two seasons, Wagner has shown potential of being a high-quality player in the league, and there's hope that his trajectory will continue.

Franz Wagner
Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner playing against the Washington Wizards / Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

"For Franz, I think people got to see a glimpse of what we’ve known for quite some time," coach Jamahl Mosley said on the HoopsHype Podcast. "Since we’ve drafted him, we’ve talked about his high basketball IQ, his work ethic, care for the game and attention to detail. He has all of those pieces."

Wagner endured some growing pains during a 22-win campaign in his rookie year. Despite a lack of team success, the Michigan product posted 15.2 points en route to be named to the NBA's All-Rookie First Team. Wagner followed up his impressive rookie season with an improved second year - jumping to 18.6 points, 4.1 rebounds and 3.5 assists.

Along with his proven durability - missing just three games over the past two years - the 6-10 forward has demonstrated his ability to switch and guard multiple positions on the defensive end. If Wagner continues to grow, especially on the defensive end, it won't be long before he becomes a crucial component of winning basketball in Orlando. 

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Jeremy Brener
JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.

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