Franz Wagner

The eighth overall pick in 2021, Wagner had a successful season with the Magic that earned him All-Rookie First Team honors. He started all 79 appearances and averaged 15.2 points on 47/35/86 shooting, 4.5 rebounds and 2.9 assists in 30.7 minutes. He posted some big efforts along the way, most notably his performance against the Bucks on Dec. 28, when the forward posted a career-high 38 points (12-20 FG, 4-8 3Pt, 10-10 FT), seven rebounds, three assists, a steal and a block. He posted other highs of 11 rebounds, 10 assists, six steals, five three-point makes and two blocks - demonstrating a well-rounded skillset. He was also effective off the ball as a cutter and corner three-point shooter, hitting 44 percent of his 66 three-point attempts from that area. Wagner should start at forward again this season, though there will be more competition for touches. Markelle Fultz will be back in the fold, and the Magic selected Paolo Banchero with the No. 1 pick in the 2022 Draft. Banchero is also a forward, and he, like Wagner, is a capable playmaker with the ball in his hands. But the assumption should be that the organization will prioritize Banchero's development and touches over Wagner's. Wagner will still play a significant role in the offense, but fantasy managers shouldn't expect a huge leap out of him in his second year despite the promising rookie campaign. Last year, Wagner ranked 103rd in per-game fantasy production and he should be drafted earlier than that this season, but there are plenty of players with higher upside.

One of the more unique players in the class, Wagner's length and intangibles are the primary traits that made him a top-10 pick. Wagner averaged a well-rounded 12.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.0 block as a sophomore at Michigan last season. He's far from a traditional playmaker, but Wagner's passing is well-above-average for his age and size. He also profiles as a potentially elite defender capable of shadowing opposing big men and sticking with guards at the rim. Wagner will have more competition for playing time than fellow-rookie Jalen Suggs - including from his older brother, Moritz - but if the minutes are there, he could be one of the most well-rounded rookies in the class. Still, Wagner is probably a year away from warranting draft consideration in standard formats.