NBA executives who spoke to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype are very high on Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner. The 22-year-old Wagner narrowly beat Detroit Pistons point guard Cade Cunningham for the top breakout candidate of the 2023-24 season. Wagner received at least one vote from 15 of the 25 executives polled, the most of any player.
“I saw Franz Wagner a ton last year, and he’s really good,” an NBA executive told HoopsHype. “His shooting will be the swing skill. If he consistently knocks that down at a higher clip, he’ll be a 20-plus scorer.”
“Franz Wagner had a great World Cup,” another NBA executive noted. “He does so many things and is only scratching the surface of how good he can be.”
Wagner appeared in 80 games for the Magic last season. He averaged 18.6 points, 4.1 rebounds and 3.5 assists while shooting 48.5% from the field, 36.1% from beyond the arc and 84.2% from the free-throw line.
The Magic drafted Wagner with the eighth overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft. Wagner has career averages of 16.9 points, 4.3 rebounds and 3.2 assists in 159 games with Orlando.
This summer, Wagner helped Germany capture its first FIBA World Cup gold medal and was named an All-FIBA World Cup Second Team selection.
The Magic went 34-48 last season. They haven’t made the playoffs since 2020. With Wagner, Paolo Banchero, Wendell Carter Jr., Anthony Black, Markelle Fultz and Cole Anthony leading the way, Orlando will look to snap its playoff drought in 2024.
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