Orlando Magic rookie Franz Wanger is being severely underappreciated
By Luke Duffy
Orlando Magic rookie Franz Wanger is being severely underappreciated: He’d get more love on another team
As of now, he leads all rookies in total points scored, and is carrying the Magic on most nights with all of their injuries/Covid protocol absentees.
Although making comparisons at this stage is futile, because it can never happen, it is nonetheless fascinating to think how different the perception of Wagner could be if he played for a marquee organization or even, just a better team. The Golden State Warriors for example, are a destination where he could have ended up.
It is not a stretch to say that, if he was on their roster now, he would be the frontrunner for the Rookie of the Year award. To take nothing away from Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody, and even previous first overall pick James Wiseman, Wagner’s mix of length, shooting touch. and ability to be a point-forward from time to time would be invaluable.
Obviously, the three players on the Warriors, especially Kuminga, have something about them and will likely all help the Warriors in one way or another. But what if Wagner was filling the Klay Thompson-sized void on that roster (ironically, their shooting stroke is kind of similar), while scoring the most points of any rookie or at least, posting similar averages to what he is now?
There is little doubt he would be above Jalen Green and Scottie Barnes as players who would be at the top of the conversation. Obviously individual accolades are not the end-all and be-all, but the Magic are going to lose a lot more, and it would be fantastic if Wagner got even a bit more recognition for what he is doing right now.