Franz Wagner, Orlando Magic – 8^th overall

The first European to come off the board was Franz Wagner. He started his career with ALBA Berlin in Germany before playing the last two seasons at the University of Michigan. He has an all-around offensive skillset and is a good defender, particularly off the ball. Despite having a lower ceiling than most of the top picks, he is considered one of the more NBA-ready prospects who can contribute immediately. Orlando is in the early stages of a rebuild and will give Wagner plenty of minutes to develop. His all-around skillset will fit nicely alongside a young group of players that includes 5^th overall pick Jalen Suggs, former first pick Markelle Fultz, elite defender Jonathan Isaac, and promising guards Cole Anthony and R.J. Hampton.

Franz Wagner – University of Michigan

12.8 PTS, 6.2 REB, 2.9 AST, 1.4 STL, 1.1 BLK, 49.3 FG%, 38.4 3P%

Wagner has played a key role for a Michigan team that is a first seed in the upcoming NCAA tournament. He is third on the team in scoring, second in rebounding, second in assists, and his shooting improved after starting the season off slowly. His biggest impact is on the defensive end, where he helped Michigan be the ninth best defense in terms of opponent FG% in the country. Due to his combination of size, Wagner is 6’9, and defensive versatility, he ranked fifth in the Big Ten conference in steals and was among the best shot blockers on the team. Wagner was also the NCAA leader in defensive plus/minus, which led to his nomination for Defensive Player of the Year. Overall, Wagner had a strong season and was second in box plus/minus in the NCAA.

Franz Wagner (Michigan) : Following his older brothers footsteps, Franz also committed to Michigan Wolverines. Lately his injury troubles haunted him, if he gets healthy and play regularly without a doubt he will a be centerpiece for the team. He declined big contract offer from Alba to play for Michigan even without Beilein’s departure to Cleveland Cavaliers. He had a below par performance in U18s last summer and the latest news that he fractured his right wrist will cause him to miss at least the first month of the season. As the NCAA season is somewhat short, he will have much less time to prove his worth in Michigan.

Franz Wagner (G/F, Germany)

German wonderkid was recovering from an injury so he did not played much in Albert Schweitzer Tournament. Nevertheless he was one of the top prospects in this tournament when we look at long term potentials of the players. He is around 6’8 with undeveloped body and still growing. He specializes in shooting the ball but somehow was a bit disappointing from 3s this time. It’s easy to see his a bit improved ball handling but still there is room for further refinement. Franz is a team player, waits for queue to be most effective. Had a more secondary role as a year younger player in a loaded Germany team and it was just fine. He will need time to develop his body in order to be more competitive inside and on perimeter defense.

FRANZ WAGNER (6’7, Guard, Alba) – Not just a Mo brother. With other surname would deserve equally big attention and admiration of his tremendous potential. His body is filling out very nicely and he is definitely not done growing which may be the reason why explosiveness is still yet to come. Most of the time play as off guard concentrated on spot up shooting which changed in the last game. Despite a bit low release point, form was very repeatable, quick and effortless. Franz is really becoming specialized shooter and in worst case scenario will end up as high level player who takes this role on the court. However he have much more given size, good handles and decent playmaking ability. Considerable NBA upside.