As insane as it could be, the Orlando Magic are in third place within the Jap Convention. It’s insane, contemplating their solely reputable celebrity, Paolo Banchero, has missed a major period of time. Nonetheless, others have stepped up in a well timed and large style, together with Franz Wagner, whose influence has not gone unnoticed. Magic teammate Kentavious Caldwell-Pope lately overestimated his German colleague, raving about his recreation and offensive heater.
Magic Vet Kentavious Caldwell-Pope Raves a few ‘Monster’
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope Calls Magic Working-mate Franz Wagner a ‘Monster’
On his podcast, Dawg Discuss, KCP raved about Wagner and the way he has stepped up for the Magic instead of Banchero, who went down with an damage a number of weeks in the past. In truth, not solely has Wagner made an impression, however the whole Magic group has additionally. Remarkably, Orlando has greater than managed to remain above water in Banchero’s absence. They’ve put collectively a stable 16-8 file and sit behind the Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers for third within the East. Once more, that is all with out their All-Star and franchise participant, Banchero.
Others have stepped up significantly, ensuing within the Magic being the place they’re within the standings. A kind of mentioned “others” is Wagner, one half of Orlando’s German brother duo, Moritz Wagner being the second half. As for Franz, he’s shortly making a reputation for himself, and deservedly so. His most up-to-date testomony to his budding stardom got here in a 35-point efficiency earlier this week towards the Philadelphia 76ers. KCP took to his podcast to reward Wagner’s play, calling him his ‘dawg of the week.’ [32.20 mark]
“…that man has been actually stepping up for us, scoring the ball, being that ground normal on the courtroom, placing everyone in place, averaging 27 and 6, which is f*****g All-Star numbers. He’s going to be an All-Star this yr. He’s been that canine for us, and maintaining the group collectively, all of us. He’s been excellent for what he’s been doing, and the numbers he’s placing up. The final 13 video games, he solely scored I feel 14 factors as soon as in a kind of video games…he’s been a monster. He’s going loopy.”
Franz’s Play Speaks to Orlando’s Depth
What does this inform us in regards to the Magic in gentle of Wagner’s influence? It says that this group is deep and goes properly past Banchero. That’s no disrespect on his identify, both. The person is really a celebrity—elite, elite, elite. KCP even talked about that the success Orlando is placing collectively is with out their finest participant. If a former NBA champion acknowledges that, so ought to us outsiders. Wagner’s emergence comes on the excellent timing, too. He has by no means put up these offensive numbers in his 4 years within the league, all in Orlando. It’s not solely Wagner stepping up in Banchero’s absence, both. Jalen Suggs can be enjoying nice ball, as is Franz’s brother Mo, Anthony Black, Jonathan Isaac, and, after all, KCP, who brings veteran management and championship pedigree to the locker room.
Evidently, the Magic are to not be taken evenly, Banchero current or not. This group seems to be able to construct off final season’s playoff berth, they usually already look significantly better than final yr, which is horrifying. Extra excellent news: Banchero lately returned to the courtroom and is on his path to returning to play. Till then, it’s Franz’s group to hold.
