The Orlando Magic faced some notable struggles during their first few games without Paolo Banchero, a key player in their lineup. His absence initially left the team searching for a rhythm and a leader to step up.
Over the past week or so, however, the Magic have found their footing again, displaying resilience and growth as a unit. Central to this turnaround has been Franz Wagner, who has elevated his play to an All-Star caliber level, cementing himself as the team’s go-to player in Banchero’s absence.
This rise to a leadership role has marked a significant transformation for Wagner, both in his game and in his mindset. The young forward has embraced the challenge, evolving into a more assertive offensive presence.
For Wagner, this shift has involved a departure from the style of play he had grown up with – a style that focused on playing off the ball and waiting for high-quality scoring opportunities.
“I think it’s a little of a mentality shift for me as well,” Wagner explained. “The way I grew up playing was a lot off the ball and just taking really good shots all the time. Sometimes it’s OK to take a midrange shot and stuff like that.
“So, that’s something that’s not ingrained necessarily, or wasn’t taught to me from a young age. So, it’s a good challenge for me.”
Franz Wagner Has Had To Change Mentality With Paolo Banchero Out https://t.co/8Fp1Au3swj
— RealGM (@RealGM) November 15, 2024
