Orlando Magic Daily
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3 Up, 3 Down from Orlando Magic’s 2022 preseason

By Philip Rossman-Reich

Bol Bol was one of the big surprises of the Orlando Magic's preseason. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-USA TODAY Sports
Bol Bol was one of the big surprises of the Orlando Magic's preseason. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-USA TODAY Sports /
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Franz Wagner, Orlando Magic, Cedi Osman, Cleveland Cavaliers
Franz Wagner found himself as the Orlando Magic’s main playmaker and creator in the team’s big lineups. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

3 up, 3 down from Orlando Magic’s preseason

1 Up: Franz Wagner is here

From a player perspective, the thing Orlando Magic fans were most eager to see was Paolo Banchero’s debut for the team. And Banchero was very good as he eased his way into the NBA world.

Banchero actually ended up leading the Magic in scoring at 14.0 points per game in 24.2 minutes per game.

The Magic should be very encouraged with what they saw from Banchero. The rookie is trying to fit in and find his footing. He definitely took some major steps forward. Everyone is eager to see him on the court.

The real star of preseason for the Magic though was Franz Wagner.

Wagner arrived back with the Magic shortly before training camp and so his preseason time was carefully managed. But opponents and the Magic felt every moment that he was in. And it was largely positive.

Wagner finished his preseason averaging 13.0 points per game shooting 43.3-percent from the floor and a 50.0-percent effective field goal percentage. He added 5.0 assists per game against 2.0 turnovers per game.

That last stat is probably the most impressive one. Wagner had some free reign to do what he wanted, but the Magic put the ball in his hands and let him go be a playmaker. He was essentially the team’s main initiator and playmaker every moment he was in.

Teams had to figure out how to handle Wagner as a ball handler and creator. And the Magic were increasing his usage and touches to leverage his playmaking more.

His role will likely reduce some when the regular season begins. A big part of the preseason is about experimentation and figuring out what might work and what might not. The Magic are almost certain to let Wagner run the show for some stretches.

But the team also will leverage him in the way Germany did at EuroBasket. He did all the things there that made him an all-rookie player except better.

Wagner has very clearly taken a leap. Most of what he has done in the preseason feels like it can and will translate to the regular season. And Wagner could be a player due for a big season.

Wagner seems eager to take on this added responsibility and eager to help his teammates come along with him.