With the eighth pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, the Orlando Magic have selected SF Franz Wagner out of Michigan. After selecting Jalen Suggs with their first selection in the draft, Orlando decided to take Wagner, who projects to be a solid three-and-D wing with great shooting potential. During his final season at Michigan, Wagner averaged 12.5 PPG, 6.5 RPG, and 3.0 APG in 28 games, all career-highs for him. Wagner also had good shooting splits last season, going 47.7% from the field, 34.3% from three-point range, and 83.5% from the free-throw line. Finally, Wagner averaged 1.3 SPG and 1.0 BPG on the defensive end while lowering his fouls per game average to 2.2. With being picked, Wagner becomes the second Michigan graduate since Nik Stauskas in 2014 to be selected eighth overall. If the Magic re-sign FA Mortiz Wagner, we may get to see the Wagner brothers play together.
Like Suggs, Wagner’s game vastly improved throughout the season. At the beginning of the season, Franz Wagner earned All-Big Ten second-team honors, courtesy of the Associated Press. Wagner was a key component of the Michigan team that won the Big Ten title, earned a No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament, and reached the Elite Eight. During this process, Wagner blossomed into a highly valued NBA prospect. His ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor kept him in the conversation to go in the lottery. Although Wagner had his struggles in March Madness, his overall improvement from his Freshman to Sophomore season was enough to keep lottery teams interested in him. Ultimately, one of those teams were the Magic, who now have Wagner’s services for the next four seasons.