Even with the NBA Playoffs just getting underway, many fantasy basketball owners might be in the mood to make some moves for next season. And a player that might be a worthy target for such shrewd dealers would be the Orlando Magic's Franz Wagner.
The season totals are enough to make anyone interested. He not only led all rookies in total points, but he was fourth in points per game at 15.2. He also was among the top free-throw shooters among rookies, and his 4.5 rebounds per game make him a versatile add for various stat categories.
Down the stretch, he also showed that he can score in more versatile ways than his early profile suggested. In the opening month of the season, Wagner's production relied heavily on the 3-point shot, peaking with a 5-for-9 effort from deep on November 1 that yielded a then-season-high 28 points. He would later add a 38-point night on December 28, but that output was the result in large part of getting to the line for 10 free throws, all of which he made.
Later on, he found other ways to get points. Before going down with an ankle injury in early April, Wagner had an eight-game stretch in March in which he averaged almost 18 points per game despite attempting fewer threes, which pushed up his field goal percentages. During that stretch, he also made better than 96 percent of his free throws, 10 percentage points above his season average.
All in all, Wagner figures to be a versatile part of the Magic offense in the coming years. The name recognition may not be there, but if he can be acquired, the move could pay off big.
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