Apr 27, 2025; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner (22) warms up before game four of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs against the Boston Celtics at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Magic's Franz Wagner Focused On Improving In Key Area During EuroBasket

Originally posted on Orlando Magic on SI
By Andrew Cherico | Last updated Aug 4, 2025 8:42 AM ET

Although the Orlando Magic boosted their offensive firepower this offseason, Franz Wagner is still expected to carry a major scoring load as the No. 2 option behind rising star Paolo Banchero. The duo combined to average 50.1 points across 40 games last season, forming one of the league’s most promising young tandems.

However, Wagner struggled after missing 20 games with a torn right oblique. Upon returning, he developed a noticeable hitch in his jumper, shooting just 18.9 percent from three-point range during the Magic’s first-round playoff series. Wagner admitted during exit interviews the injury disrupted his rhythm and slowed his shot, ultimately affecting his confidence down the stretch.

Improving his three-point shooting form:

Now healthy, he plans to regain form while representing Germany in EuroBasket.

"I've been working a lot on my shot," Wagner said during EuroBasket media day. "A bit more post-up. Small, fast players tend to give me trouble, so it's probably good to work on that. More rhythm in my shot. I have coaches in Berlin with whom I've trained a lot."

Franz & Dennis Schroder Playing 1v1 pic.twitter.com/kDZZfMmnYL
— Huncho Hoops (@HunchoHoops) August 2, 2025

Wagner isn’t historically a strong three-point shooter. With a career mark of 32.2 percent, he shot a career-best 36.1 percent in 2022–23. If he can find consistency around 33 percent next season, it could be the difference between the Magic finishing in the top three or closer to fifth in the Eastern Conference. His ability to space the floor alongside Desmond Bane and Jalen Suggs will be crucial when Banchero operates as the primary ball-handler, helping open driving lanes as Wagner becomes a corner threat.

Wagner is eager to improve this summer and plans to take advantage of offseason playing time and bonding with his native German teammates.

Playing for his national team, but missing his brother

"It's nice to play at home and also with guys who grew up in a similar way," Wagner said. "You come here because you're interested, not because you signed a contract. You come for the right reasons, and that's very, very nice."

Wagner admitted it feels strange not joining his brother Moritz on the German national team, as Moritz Wagner is recovering from a season-ending torn ACL potentially requiring rehab heading into the start of the season.

Present/Future Faces Of German Basketball https://t.co/lGewuRzlfJ pic.twitter.com/QGjrUA2Pq2
— Huncho Hoops (@HunchoHoops) July 31, 2025

"Moritz is unique," Wagner added. "We will miss him, of course. I know he would have loved to play, too. No one can replace him. But the spirit as a group will not disappear. We now have time during the preseason to see how the summer will turn out as a team.