Orlando Magic 2024 fantasy studs and duds (and question marks)

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Franz Wagner, Orlando Magic, T.J. McConnell, Indiana Pacers

Feb 25, 2023; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner (22) drives to the basket against Indiana Pacers guard T.J. McConnell (9) during the second half at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Rich Storry-USA TODAY Sports /

Orlando Magic 2024 Fantasy Basketball Studs and Duds

Stud: Franz Wagner

As much as we love to talk about Paolo Banchero and everything he can be and all of the other issues with this Orlando Magic team, Franz Wagner still seemingly gets lost in the shuffle.

For whatever reason, Wagner becomes something of an afterthought when we talk about the Magic.

The reason? He is just so good and so consistent. Unnaturally consistent for a player of his age and experience level.

Wagner was solid during his rookie year and got better his sophomore year. The only disappointment in his second season was perhaps that he did not improve in the way fans wanted him to, he just got better at the things he was already good at.

He jumped from 15.2 to 18.6 points per game last year, from 2.9 to 3.5 assists per game and from 46.8 percent shooting to 48.5 percent shooting overall. He made 35.4 percent of his threes as a rookie and 36.1 percent in his second year.

These were all things that he got better at and if his time in Germany is to be believed, he is getting better at all these things again. He has been shooting it OK in the starring role for Germany, but he scores his points in bunches and is dishing the ball effectively, especially in transition.

Coming back to the Magic with the players they have and the role the Magic ask him to play, it would not be surprising to see his numbers take another mini-leap.

What is most scary though is that most of the NBA world understands how good Wagner is and how quickly he fills up a box score.

Wagner’s consistency is his greatest value. Wagner had only six games with 10 or fewer points last year and recorded 36 games of 20 points or more and 61 games of 15 points or more.

The Magic — and by extension fantasy owners — know exactly what they will get from Wagner every night. And he is not going to detract much in terms of counting stats. He scores, shoots efficiently and fills up other categories.

That does not even get to his steals, which seem to be increasing this summer in World Cup prep.

The only complaint is that he could rebound a bit more. But not everyone is a five-category player. Wagner is probably the closest the Magic have to one on this team.