The signs of what it’d look like if Franz Wagner took on a larger role for the Orlando Magic in 2022-23 appeared last year during his rookie season.
When the Magic were dealing with multiple injuries and COVID-19-related absences in December 2021, Wagner put together an Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month campaign that showcased his offensive on-ball versatility and playmaking ability.
As the Magic got healthier last season, especially in the backcourt, Wagner’s on-ball usage went down. But the seeds of a significant part of his development were planted.
This past season, those seeds sprouted, with Wagner stepping up in the roles the Magic needed him to play.
“Obviously, there’s always stuff to improve but I’ve improved a lot not just on the court but my focus level,” Wagner told the Orlando Sentinel before the season ended. “The game has slowed down a little bit for me. I don’t think I was as consistent as I would’ve loved to be. But my focus and effort were where it should be.”
The Magic’s early-season injuries to the backcourt placed Wagner in a larger on-ball/playmaking role — a position he thrived in while also adjusting to the growing pains that come with greater responsibilities.
Wagner averaged 19 points (49.1% shooting, 32.6% on 3s), 4 rebounds and 3.8 assists in the Magic’s first 24 games.
He primarily shared the ball-handling responsibilities with rookie forward Paolo Banchero while guards Cole Anthony, Markelle Fultz and Jalen Suggs were either dealing with injuries or adjusting to being back on the floor after being sidelined.
While the Magic struggled to win games without many of their guards available, starting the season 5-19 before going 29-29 over the final 58 games, Wagner once again showed he can handle more responsibilities.
So when it came time to reincorporate the guards, Wagner once again adjusted nearly seamlessly while still being impactful.
Wagner averaged 18.4 points (48.2% shooting, 37.4% on 3s), 4.2 rebounds and 3.4 assists in his final 56 games.
He mixed in more on-ball usage with off-ball effectiveness as a cutter and shooter as the season progressed while progressing even more as a defender — an area he was already solid in as a rookie.
Wagner finished the season with averages of 18.6 points (58.9% true shooting — a formula that incorporates free throws and higher-value 3-point shots), 4.1 rebounds and 3.5 assists and 1 steal in 32.6 minutes.
He was one of 14 players 25 years old or younger to average at least 18 points with a true shooting accuracy of 55% to go with 4 rebounds and 3 assists.
“The way I play now, I wish I would’ve played a little earlier in the season,” Wagner told the Sentinel. “Not necessarily meaning stats but the way I play. Earlier on in the season, I might have forced a little bit more than was helpful for the team. But I think that’s part of it. I learned a lot.”
When asked what he meant by forcing things, he responded: “It could be multiple things: looking for my own shot, trying to predetermine what’s going to happen.”
That’s part of the growth that comes with taking on a larger role more consistently.
Before the season ended, coach Jamahl Mosley noted how those early-season reps helped Wagner develop.
“There’s a level of calm about him right now that I’m really enjoying seeing him on the floor,” Mosley said. “His ability to process things has always been there, but right now he’s playing with a level of poise and calmness knowing exactly what the game is asking him to do. That’s the biggest thing.
“He’s always had a high basketball IQ. He’s always been extremely competitive. The way he’s playing with such a level of poise now and understanding what the game is needing in any given moment is really great to see.”
There’s more room for Wagner to grow, with the 6-10 German forward saying a focus of his offseason work will be becoming more versatile on the ball offensively.
“I’m working on my game every day, even in the season,” Wagner said. “Some of it will obviously be connected to how I develop physically. I just want to continue to get better with the ball, [making] decisions.”
This article first appeared on OrlandoSentinel.com. Email Khobi Price at khprice@orlandosentinel.com or follow him on Twitter at @khobi_price.
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