3 reasons for Orlando Magic fans to smile this holiday season

Reasons for Orlando Magic fans to smile this holiday season: 1. Franz Wagner

Could it be that the Magic have found their franchise cornerstone in a player who was supposed to be their consolidation prize from last year’s draft? All the joy revolved around the fact that Suggs slipped to them at five.

While the Wagner selection three picks later certainly wasn’t seen as a bad thing, no one saw him becoming the game-changer he has proven to be so far this season.

Wagner won’t win Rookie of the Year, but he should be seriously considered. In such a short space of time, he has become so crucial to everything that they do.

Availability plays a part for sure, but already he is a bigger-bodied individual who has a shooting stroke like Klay Thompson, finishes around the basket at a high level (that bucket to stave off the Miami Heat was tough), and more recently has shown off his playmaking chops as well.

All NBA players make the league for a reason, but in 31 short games, Wagner has captured the imagination of fans and teammates alike. The fact he has even gotten mentions from national media members like Zach Lowe (who, to his credit, always tries to shoutout the Magic) and Kevin O’Connor speak to his talents.

Neutrals find it hard to get excited about the Magic when they’re winning, yet right now they are awful and still getting praised from areas they wouldn’t normally. Anthony deserves credit for this, but Wagner is the unexpected youngster who has surpassed all expectations, and done so easily.

He just looks like a winning player. Somebody who, it is hoped, when the team is competing again, could be their best player. Averages of 14.5 points, 2.9 assists, and 36.3 percent from deep are so encouraging.

Wagner also leads all rookies in total points scored so far this season, and hasn’t had a bad game in a while now. Wagner alone should be a reason to smile this holiday season.