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Who deserves to be the number one scoring option for the Orlando Magic?

By Luke Duffy

ORLANDO, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 14: Franz Wagner #22 of the Orlando Magic reacts in the first half against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Amway Center on October 14, 2022 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 14: Franz Wagner #22 of the Orlando Magic reacts in the first half against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Amway Center on October 14, 2022 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) /
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Orlando Magic
Franz Wagner of Germany against Juancho Hernangomez of Spain (Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images) /

Franz Wagner can be the Orlando Magic’s no.1 scoring option.

It says a lot if you can keep a guy drafted primarily to be the new offensive hub out of the top spot, but Wagner deserves the opportunity to have this position for the time being. He had an outstanding rookie season, averaging 15.2 points on 35.4 percent three-point shooting.

The Magic are fortunate to have two players under the age of 21 in Wagner and Banchero who appear capable of leading an offense over the course of a season. If the rookie play of Wagner was one thing, and he has confidence and willingness to go at any opponent which is to be admired, then his EuroBasket performances were something else.

In a Germany jersey, Wagner showed that his impressive game has already gone to new heights. We have already spoken about that third-year leap that All-Star talents typically make. Wagner is on course to have a notable jump in year two, and unlike Banchero, he was able to do all that he did on a less deep Magic roster last season.

If Wagner can increase the 3-point shooting numbers even modestly, as well as get closer to 20 points per contest, then it will represent real growth and cement his case as the go-to offensive option for the franchise. Banchero certainly has the size advantage, yet Wagner seems to have no problem penetrating the paint himself.

There is also a slithery kind of way in which he does it, which Banchero cannot, that defenders struggle to deal with. He is quick and athletic in how he explodes at the basket, and you rarely squirm when he pulls up to shoot either.

Wagner only averaged 2.9 assists last season, however, and Banchero will likely surpass that number in his rookie year. This is the underrated part of being the top offensive option. Knowing when to give the ball up so that a better scoring opportunity presents itself is crucial.

Next. 3 Realistic goals for the Magic this season. dark

Wagner will do better in this category as well, and to start the season, he should be the top option offensively. He earned it.

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