Franz Wagner: “Bol Boll is like Wenbanyama. It’s fun to watch him play”

Franz Wagner (August 27, 2001, Berlin, Germany) Feeling ahead of his moment, always growing on the same wavelength as these youngsters, he is still discovering himself in his second year in the NBA. orlando magic Not very flashy when it comes to classification – although rising to second last in the East – but when it comes to play. Celtics.

German power forward is one of the players better His scoring jumped from 15.2 to 20 points this year in the NBA, and he’s been eye-catching with his 3-pointers, dancer in the paint, and excellent penetrator. Of course, being a member of a fashionable pair of siblings in the league, Mo Wagner These magics also ride the rhythm of sibling chemistry.

Lively conversations with MD and journalist Karol Sliwa in Toronto and in Salt Lake City all star, Number 22 of the 2021 Draft touches on a wide variety of topics and dares to venture into what might happen in a possible competition. NBA – EuroleagueHe is so passionate about the topic that he continues to round out the questions in his talk. What do you think? Ask the Germans for a moment from interviewee to interviewer.

The Orlando Magic are by classification one of the worst teams in the NBA, but they have youngsters with a lot of potential, like Paolo Banchero, Boll Boll, you, the reborn Markelle Fultz… Celtics 3 times . What are your hopes for the future of the franchise?

Orlando’s focus now is not on results, but on everyone growing, working the right way and staying focused every day. We can continue to be a really good team. We have young, versatile and skilled players. We believe it will lead to victory. That’s what makes me think we have a chance to be a really good team.

Banchero, the best number 1 in the draft since LeBron, Bol Bol. Underrated, don’t you think?

Yes indeed very similar. Bol Bol has been in the league for three years and has played a big part in the season so far. He has a huge impact on both sides of the pitch. Everyone thinks it’s a lot of fun to watch him play, and the whole team is happy to have him in Magic.

There are several pairs of siblings in the NBA, including Hernangomez, Curry, Morris, and even tridents like Ball and Holiday. You share a team with your brother, Mo, and they are both doing very well. Are they the best “sibling duo” in the league right now?

(Laughter) I don’t know… it’s really nice to have so many brothers in the NBA. We are playing together now. i enjoy it Being on the same team and spending a lot of time together is very special.

“What’s the most surprising thing about the NBA? Coaches don’t have much control here.”

You are one of the NBA’s most improved players since last year, going from 15.2 in your rookie season to 20 now. What did you do to achieve that qualitative leap?

I have worked really hard this summer and so far. My coach spends a lot of time improving my game. It’s something natural and you’re new first year and things have to adjust. In particular, I continue to practice so that my shots from the dribble will be stable. We are working to improve our decision-making with the ball and our contact when heading towards goal. Things like that help a lot.

Is Dirk Nowitkzi a mentor you keep in touch with often?

I don’t have much contact with him, but he is a great role model and a source of inspiration for me as a young German player.

Have you ever worked with your famous trainer, Holger Geschwinder?

No, I never worked with him.

Which player would you like to refer to?

As a young player you get something different from every player. Not only do I see players who have similar bodies and play my position, but I also see other players like Jimmy Butler who have no body and play differently than I do and that It will help. I will give examples of other players in the league and in Europe.

Dennis Schröder, Isaiah Hartenstein, Maxi Kleber, Daniel Theis, your brother and you… Germany has a good option. What are your goals for the World Cup?

My goal is to have a healthy summer, but it’s a long way off and I can’t talk about my goals. I can easily say that I am thrilled to represent my country.

Speaking of European and FIBA ​​competitions, what surprised you most about coming to the NBA?

What surprised me a bit, or was different, is that it doesn’t follow a game plan as much as the team, it’s more about the creativity of the players, willing to adapt to each situation. When I played for Aruba Berlin in Germany, I had a different strategy for each match, just like the college I played for a long time. Here in the NBA, coaches don’t have a lot of control, so it’s like, “I have to communicate with the guys on the court with me and understand a little myself.”

“I wouldn’t say the NBA game is more physical because FIBA ​​allows a lot of things that aren’t here.”

Is there a noticeable difference in physique and speed in the NBA compared to Europe?

Here the game is more athletic. FIBA games can’t be more physical because they allow a lot of things that aren’t here. But I haven’t played in the NBA playoffs yet, so I think my level will be more physical.

What NBA rules apply to FIBA ​​competitions and vice versa?

I think it’s a tough question… In the NBA, the courts are big, you have the 3 point line, and that creates an interesting rhythm of the game… You never know which rules of any one tournament apply. Another thing I can only say is that I like both types of games. They are completely different dynamics and as a player you cannot change the rules. I can’t say that one type of game is more difficult than the other.

Does applying the 3 second rule like the NBA makes FIBA ​​games more interesting?

I love the highest score and it’s a rule that allows for different strategies. But the 3 second rule should have made it easier to attack (in Euroleague and FIBA ​​competitions).

What if you put NBA teams against Euroleague teams?

First of all, it depends on the rules you played. I think some Euroleague teams can really compete with some NBA teams. It would be difficult for a Euroleague team to win if they played by NBA rules. EuroLeague players are on the rise and are already playing against them (NBA players) in EuroBasket. The level and skill sets of European teams are very high. I think the rules will be a very important part of this tournament.

Magic coach warns about potential project

“Franz is an incredible competitor and this team will be very special.”

Orlando Magic coach Jamal Mosley, he confesses to being a “fan” of Franz Wagner. Franz Wagner is one of many versatile players he has at his disposal, perfecting his German every day. The Florida franchise coach has been very clear about what accounts for the interior’s amazing growth regarding his season. ‘rookie’.

“First of all, it’s his work ethic, he amazing competitors. Second, he has technical staff who care about him and help him improve, so he’s in an environment where he can grow. All of this means he is doing his best,” Mosley stresses.

“Frantz is simply Franz. He is a student of the game and is very important on the team. The way he passes and his IQ is amazing,” emphasizes his teammate. Jalen Suggs.

Banchero’s bankruptcy, Bolbol’s “discovery”, Wagner’s growth, 2017 draft 1st pick resurrection, Markelle Fultz There are many reasons to think that these Orlando Magic deserve more attention soon. Your coach advises:

“This youth group has great opportunities to grow. Great potential and growth. If the chemistry is right, this team will be very special,” Mosley warns of what Orlando could become.