Franz Wagner of the Orlando Magic was the eighth pick of last year’s NBA Draft and some people have seemingly forgotten about him.
That’s not because he isn’t talented, just because he plays for a team that doesn’t get a lot of press since they are sitting at the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings.
But even if you don’t care about the Magic, you should care about Wanger because he’s one of the best rookies of the year and is making a case for him to be considered as Rookie of the Year.
Franz Wagner has scored 20+ points 15 times – the most by any @NBA rookie this season 🪄
28 PTS | 10-18 FG | 4-6 3PM pic.twitter.com/2elhUsVxze
— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) March 3, 2022
As pointed out by his team on Twitter, Wagner has scored more than 20 points in 15 games this season, the most by any rookie player.
That’s an impressive stat and made all the more powerful when you consider the rookie players he’s competing against.
This is a stacked rookie class but Wagner is certainly one of the most special young guys emerging in the league.
Wagner Rocking It
The Magic are definitely in rebuild mode.
Currently, the team is dead last in the Eastern Conference with a record of 15-48.
That’s not just the worst record in the East, it’s the worst record in the entire NBA.
But that isn’t slowing down Wagner.
The German star is averaging 15.7 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.9 assists a game.
Even while playing for such a rough team, Wagner is showing that he has basketball IQ on a level that few other basketball players – rookie or not – have.
This is good news for the Magic because they can rebuild themselves around Wagner moving forward.
He’s the sort of young talent that can certainly be the centerpiece of a rebuilding team.
He could literally create magic for Orlando in the years ahead.
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