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5 questions for the second quarter of the Orlando Magic’s 2023 season

By Philip Rossman-Reich

Franz Wagner was brilliant in leading the undermanned Orlando Magic to a gutsy home win over the Dallas Mavericks. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Franz Wagner was brilliant in leading the undermanned Orlando Magic to a gutsy home win over the Dallas Mavericks. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 1, 2022; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner (22) shoots a three-point basket against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second quarter at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 1, 2022; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner (22) shoots a three-point basket against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second quarter at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports /

5 questions for the Orlando Magic’s second quarter

Where does Franz Wagner’s game grow next?

There is plenty of obsession on the Orlando Magic’s new toy in Paolo Banchero. The Rookie of the Year front-runner has been putting up historic numbers and placing himself among lists of some of the greatest players in the league’s history. There is still a long way to go for Banchero to reach those heights. He has a lot to learn.

The real leap that seems to have come this year is from Franz Wagner.

The Magic put Wagner in some very new positions this season. No longer the third or even fourth option on the team, content to work off cuts or hit spot-up threes, the Magic listened to fan complaints and put the ball squarely in his hands. They asked him to create and be a lead ball-handler. His shot attempts spiked and his usage did too.

All the restrictions were off Wagner.

He was our first-quarter MVP after averaging 19.5 points per game, 4.1 rebounds per game and 4.0 assists per game in the first quarter of the season. He shot 50.0 percent from the floor and 31.9 percent from beyond the arc. His ability to finish at the rim was particularly incredible.

Wagner looked like a genuine star, as evidenced by his nomination for Eastern Conference Player of the Month for October/November. If not for the Magic’s record, there might be a solid campaign to get him to Salt Lake City in February.

That is secondary. The question for Wagner is where does his game grow next?

He has stepped his game up with his ability to drive and get to the basket. He likely is not going to develop a mid-range game mid-season, but learning how to make passes and plays off his drives is an important next step.

So too is improving his 3-point shooting. That was already turning around toward the end of the first quarter. And playing more off the ball with Markelle Fultz and Cole Anthony’s returns will help with that process. But it is undoubtedly an adjustment for everyone as Wagner and Banchero have less of those point guard abilities.

Everyone can see how much better Wagner can still be. They can see what an impact he can have on the game. And how much better he can play.

Wagner is going to get a lot better in the months and years to come. That is something fans should get excited.