The Orlando Magic have made significant offseason additions aimed at contending for an <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/basketball/nba/”>NBA Finals appearance, with Desmond Bane’s arrival expected to have a substantial impact. However, the real difference for the Magic hinges on Franz Wagner‘s ability to regain his All-Star trajectory, as his return from injury has been marked by noticeable struggles, particularly with his shooting.
Before his injury, Wagner was emerging as a potential All-NBA player, displaying remarkable offensive skill and versatility. If he recovers his confidence and shooting form while Bane becomes an elite perimeter scorer, both players could become All-Star candidates next season, boosting Orlando’s chances considerably.
The Breakout Talent and Challenges Faced by Franz Wagner
Franz Wagner made a notable leap last season by surpassing the 20-point per game threshold for the first time, posting averages of 24.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 4.7 assists. Despite his offensive growth, his shooting ability faltered after he returned from injury, especially during the playoffs, where he shot an uncharacteristically low 18.9 percent from three-point range.
Sam Vecenie of The Athletic highlighted Wagner’s diverse skill set, praising his ability to excel in multiple facets of the game, including cutting, transition plays, and screening. Vecenie noted:
“What makes Franz so special is the variety of ways that he can just get you right,” —Sam Vecenie, NBA Analyst
“He is a great all screen player. He can grab and go on the break and get out and transition. He is a terrific cutter off the ball, like I think that dude is one of the best cutters in the league. He is fantastic at attacking closeouts. The jumper is a total mess, and I don’t know really what has happened there, frankly, for him, you know, has never been an elite shooter.” —Sam Vecenie, NBA Analyst
Vecenie also emphasized how close Wagner was to All-Star recognition before his downturn:
“Franz was well on track to making an All-Star Game prior to his injury last season,” —Sam Vecenie, NBA Analyst
“And frankly, I had him, if I remember correctly, on the quarter mark awards that we did as an all-NBA guy, like I thought he had been one of the 10 best players in the league up until that injury.” —Sam Vecenie, NBA Analyst
Desmond Bane’s Role as a Catalyst for the Magic Offense
Coming off a less impactful season with the Memphis Grizzlies, Desmond Bane averaged 19.2 points per game, a scoring output that could fill a crucial void in Orlando’s offense. The Magic struggled greatly last year in three-point shooting and assisting, ranking last in both categories, making Bane’s shooting and playmaking a strategic addition.
Vecenie praised Bane for his physicality, defensive prowess, and suitability to Orlando’s style of play, stating:
“He’s a tough defender, physical and strong,” —Sam Vecenie, NBA Analyst
“For the way that the Magic want to play. I’m not sure that there was a player apparently available on the market that made more sense for Orlando to go get, given their needs of shooting. Their desired style of like physical, tough defense, and what Desmond brings on that end, and their need for like, just one more body, like, as a playmaker on the perimeter with the ball in his hands. I think he’s probably the best guy they possibly could have gotten. So I’m excited to see what it looks like in Orlando this year.” —Sam Vecenie, NBA Analyst
Anticipating the Impact on Orlando’s Future Prospects
The convergence of Wagner’s potential return to form and Bane’s addition to the Magic lineup positions Orlando for a significant boost on both ends of the floor. If Wagner overcomes his shooting issues and Bane consistently contributes as an elite shooter and defender, the team could transform into a playoff contender with All-Star caliber talent on its roster.
This development not only raises expectations for the upcoming NBA season but also signals a brighter future where the Magic can compete at a higher level in the Eastern Conference. The team’s progress will be particularly interesting to watch given the highly promising combination of Wagner’s versatility and Bane’s complementary skill set.