Orlando Magic SF Franz Wagner Compared to Kevin Durant, Kawhi Leonard?
Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner continues to improve on his game as the second option to former rookie of the year Paolo Banchero.
Standing as a 6-10 small forward, Wagner's height combined with his shooting and athleticism makes for a truly deadly option anywhere on the court. Filling in the gaps where Banchero doesn't, he is a strong candidate to have a breakout season with his performance at the 2023 FIBA World Cup for his home country Germany, where Wagner opened the world's eyes to his skill as a player.
Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner's unique play-style makes comparisons difficult, but it makes everything else easy on the offensive side of the court for Paolo Banchero and company.
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"Franz is between a mixture of Khris Middleton, Kawhi (Leonard) and Kevin Durant in the footwork," Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley said on the HoopsHype Podcast. "There are so many aspects these guys take from each one of those guys. You don’t want to label them as just this or that person. There’s a combination of each one that they possess because they study the game and they watch all these great players."
Wagner comes off a season where he averaged 18.6 points, 4.1 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game. The forward made a 3-point improvement to his points average from his rookie season despite having fewer opportunities to score.
Wagner's play-style is unlike any other players, making Mosley's comparison spot-on. The swingman shows flashes of many different players, with his footwork being the focus of the Magic coach.
Wagner can excel as the best player on the team at his highest, and be an excellent glue guy at the absolute minimum, which can only be good for a still-developing Magic squad.
