The indicators of what it’d appear to be if Franz Wagner took on a bigger function for the Orlando Magic in 2022-23 appeared final 12 months throughout his rookie season.
When the Magic have been coping with a number of accidents and COVID-19-related absences in December 2021, Wagner put collectively an Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month marketing campaign that showcased his offensive on-ball versatility and playmaking means.
As the Magic acquired more healthy final season, particularly within the backcourt, Wagner’s on-ball utilization went down. But the seeds of a big a part of his improvement have been planted.
This previous season, these seeds sprouted, with Wagner stepping up within the roles the Magic wanted 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 informed the Orlando Sentinel earlier than the season ended. “The game has slowed down a little bit for me, and 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 accidents to the backcourt positioned Wagner in a bigger on-ball/playmaking function — a place he thrived in whereas additionally adjusting to the rising pains that include better tasks.
Wagner averaged 19 factors (49.1% capturing, 32.6% on 3s), 4 rebounds and three.8 assists within the Magic’s first 24 video games.
He primarily shared the ball-handling tasks with rookie ahead Paolo Banchero whereas guards Cole Anthony, Markelle Fultz and Jalen Suggs have been both coping with accidents or adjusting to being again on the ground after being sidelined.
While the Magic struggled to win video games with out a lot of their guards accessible, beginning the season 5-19 earlier than going 29-29 over the ultimate 58 video games, Wagner as soon as once more confirmed he might deal with extra tasks.
So when it got here time to reincorporate the guards, Wagner as soon as once more adjusted practically seamlessly whereas nonetheless being impactful.
Wagner averaged 18.4 factors (48.2% capturing, 37.4% on 3s), 4.2 rebounds and three.4 assists in his closing 56 video games.
He blended in additional on-ball utilization with off-ball effectiveness as a cutter and shooter because the season progressed whereas progressing much more as a defender — an space he was already strong in as a rookie.
Wagner completed the season with averages of 18.6 factors (58.9% true capturing — a formulation that comes with free throws and higher-value 3-point pictures), 4.1 rebounds and three.5 assists and 1 steal in 32.6 minutes.
He was certainly one of 14 gamers 25 years previous or youthful to common a minimum of 18 factors with a real capturing accuracy of 55% to go together with 4 rebounds and three assists.
“The way I play now, I wish I would’ve played a little earlier in the season,” Wagner informed 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 requested what he meant by forcing issues, he responded: “It could be multiple things: looking for my own shot, trying to predetermine what’s going to happen.”
That’s a part of the expansion that comes with persistently taking up a bigger function.
Before the season ended, coach Jamahl Mosley famous how these 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 mentioned. “His means to course of issues has at all times been there, however proper now, he’s enjoying with a degree of poise and quietness, figuring out precisely what the sport is asking him to do. That’s the largest factor.
“He’s always had a high basketball IQ, and he’s always been extremely competitive. The way he’s playing with such a level of poise now and understanding what the game needs in any given moment is great to see.”
There’s extra room for Wagner to develop, with the 6-10 German ahead saying a spotlight of his offseason work might be changing into extra versatile on the ball offensively.
“I’m working on my game every day, even in the season,” Wagner mentioned. “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 [email protected] or comply with him on Twitter at @khobi_price.
()
Source: www.bostonherald.com