2021 NBA Mock Draft — 8. Franz Wagner, Orlando Magic
Orlando has its share of wing coverage with Kuminga, Jonathan Isaac, and Chuma Okeke. That said, a team can never have too many versatile defenders and 3-point shooters listed in the 6-foot-8 range. Enter Franz Wagner, who has impact role player written all over him — with potential to become even more.
The Magic may prefer to look for a go-to scorer here, but with Cole Anthony showing shades of future stardom, there’s reason to believe Wagner would fit well. He can space the floor for Orlando’s myriad young guards, while his flourishes as a passer and quick decision-maker will serve only to make a young and tepid offense run smoother.
Wagner also has the tools of a plus NBA defender. He can guard all over the floor at his size, and given Orlando’s litany of long, rangy wings, he would fit comfortably into any number of lineup combinations. He is — in this writer’s humble opinion — the best prospect left. Orlando would do well to take him.