Magic forward Franz Wagner bracing for ups and downs as a rookie
Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner knows playing time in the NBA as a rookie is a valuable thing and the eighth overall pick won’t be taking that for granted this season.
Wagner, through two games, has looked the part of a being lottery pick.
He recorded 12 points, four rebounds, two assists, two blocked shots and one steal during his debut versus the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday. Wagner followed that up with a team-high 16 points on 4-of-5 shooting from 3-point range on Friday against the New York Knicks.
Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley previously gave Wagner praise for what he can do on the court. Wagner often does the little things, which may not show up on the stat sheet, but the coaching staff and his teammates can tell what he brings on a nightly basis.
Said center Mo Bamba:
He brings a lot. The kid is a sponge. He’s a quick learner. He’s a great teammate. He plays for others. He always makes the easy play and a lot of the stuff that he doesn’t necessarily show up on the stat sheet but we all know and we all appreciate it.
The Magic have gotten off to an abysmal start this season, losing each of their first two games by a combined 51 points. They are one of five teams in NBA history to lose each of their first games of a season by 25 or more points, according to ESPN Stats & Info.
Win or loss, Wagner relishes the opportunity to be on the court. Whether the Magic are up by 20 points, or down by 20 points, Wagner views every game as a chance to develop his game.
I think for all of the team, especially for me and Jalen, I think every game we should take as an opportunity even when we’re down 20, I think those minutes can be still really important for us as a team and as individual players. I’m just trying to do my job, try to take advantage of those opportunities I get and I think in the long run that is going to pay dividends.
Of course, Wagner is still adjusting to the speed and pace of the game and knows there is still more to learn. Watching film and continuing to practice gives him the chance to review his mistakes and grow from them, something the team has preached this season.
The season will largely serve as an opportunity to develop for several players on the Magic, with Wagner one of them but it is safe to say that he won’t be taking any play off this season.
This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!
