The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1533441
APRIL 2025 ❱ THE WOLVERINE 55 ❱ MICHIGAN IN THE PROS Franz Wagner Joins Elite NBA Group BY CLAYTON SAYFIE W ith a 15-point, 7-rebound and 5-assist performance against the Houston Rockets March 10, Orlando Magic wing Franz Wagner became one of only seven players in NBA history who are 23 or younger to tally 5,000- plus points, 1,300-plus rebounds and 1,000-plus assists in their first four professional seasons. That puts Wagner in elite company. Consider the other six names on that short list: LeBron James, Luka Doncic, Anthony Edwards, Russell Westbrook, Chris Paul and Nikola Jokic. They're not empty stats, either. Wag- ner had a stellar first two seasons in 2021-22 and 2022-23, with the Magic continuing to stockpile talent. The team broke out in 2023-24 and made the playoffs for the first time since 2019- 20, losing to the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 7 of the first round. Wagner is having his best offensive season to date in 2024-25, averaging 24.3 points, 5.6 rebounds and 4.7 assists per game. He's shooting 46.3 percent from the field and 29.9 percent from three-point range, 1.8 percentage points higher than last year but not quite the clip he made threes at in his first two years. His 53.2 two-point field goal per- centage checks in 62nd in the league. The 6-foot-10, 220-pounder has helped his Orlando team to a 32-37 re- cord, with the franchise suffering key injuries throughout the season, includ- ing to his older brother, Moritz, who's out for the year. Wagner has always been a two-way star, standing out on the defensive end of the floor as well. "He's not the fastest player on the court, he's not the strongest, but his IQ is probably the highest of most guys on the court," teammate Wendell Carter Jr. said recently. "He understands the game, he understands how certain guys like to play. When he matches up against them, he uses it to his advantage." In a March 12 article, Sports Illus- trated showed just how impactful Wag- ner has been. According to writer Mason Williams, with Wagner on the floor, the Magic's offense is: • 8.1 points better per 100 posses- sions; • Turns the ball over on 2.5 percent less of possessions; • Has a +3.0 field goal percentage and is more accurate on shots at the rim (+3.3%), in midrange (+3.2%) and from three (+1.1%). Wagner is having a career-best season for the Orlando Magic, averaging 24.3 points, 5.6 rebounds and 4.7 assists per game. PHOTO COURTESY ORLANDO MAGIC