When the Orlando Magic not too long ago misplaced their greatest star, Paolo Banchero, many individuals thought they’d enter a tricky chapter of the season.
As an alternative, they’ve continued to win huge video games, and that’s partly because of Franz Wagner.
Talking on SiriusXM NBA Radio, Frank Isola mentioned that Wagner has taken his sport to a special degree these days.
He mentioned the Magic are doing much better than anticipated, and Wagner is a central cause why.
The 23-year-old ahead is averaging 23.2 factors, 5.6 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per sport in 2024-25, a step up from what he produced final yr.
However past the numbers, Wagner is enjoying like a assured and confirmed staff chief.
That’s as a result of the Magic don’t have Banchero, who can be filling the function.
Whereas some gamers draw back from such obligations, Wagner is embracing them, and the staff is benefiting from that.
On Thursday evening, Wagner scored 37 factors, six rebounds, and 11 assists in opposition to the Los Angeles Lakers in a 119-118 win.
That was simply the newest explosive sport from the younger star.
The Magic are the fourth seed within the East with out their most celebrated participant as a result of different stars like Wagner are combating tougher than ever.
If he retains enjoying like this when Banchero comes again, there’s a superb likelihood the Magic will attain the playoffs and journey far in them.
He has been one of the crucial promising stars within the league for a number of years, however Wagner actually is evolving and growing earlier than our very eyes this season.
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