Orlando Magic players who could shock the world this season
2. Franz Wagner
Franz Wagner keeps improving, and Orlando Magic fans hoped to see the early signs of a star breakout at the FIBA World Cup. Instead, the 6-foot-9 forward is dealing with an ankle injury. It is not serious, and he could return before the end of the tournament.
The eighth overall pick in 2021 will be an All-Star in his prime. He averaged 18.6 points, 4.1 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.0 steals per game in 32.6 minutes per game last season as a 21-year-old. DeMar DeRozan produced similar numbers in his second NBA season and is now a six-time All-Star.
Wagner is primed for a third-year leap where he efficiently averages 20 points per game and gets into All-Star contention.
The 6-foot-9 forward must improve on both ends of the floor. Some added playmaking, another step forward on his jumper, and picking up his defense should be goals and put the Magic firmly in the postseason race.
Wagner will not be the team’s star, but the 22-year-old could make a massive leap and shock the world this season. He should be gunning for 22 points per game and shooting better than 38 percent from 3-point range.
Those improvements coupled with a bit more playmaking responsibility make him one of the best young players in the league and a key contributor in Orlando for years to come.