The Orlando Magic opted to choose Michigan forward Franz Wagner with pick number eight. He is the younger brother of Moritz Wagner (who gave the Magic energy and good minutes down the stretch.) I spent a lot of time watching both players in college and always thought they would stick in the league. Moritz plays a big man role while Franz is a wing player. Franz Wagner is listed at 6'9" 220 pounds and averaged 12 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, and a steal per game in two years at Michigan. He won't lead the league in any category but he can fill out a stat sheet and provide positive playmaking. In my eyes, he profiles as a glue-guy starter who will help space the floor and be someone his teammates can rely on. A winning player.
If the Magic didn't select Suggs at 5, I might have felt different about this choice. I don't believe this was a "best player available" selection but more of a "fit" pick. However, he makes a lot of sense when you look at the current Magic roster. The Las Vegas Summer League starts August 8th and that's when we'll get our first look at both Suggs and Wagner (provided everyone is healthy and Magic brass gives the go-ahead.)
Orlando traded their 2nd round pick (PG Jason Preston of Ohio, who lived in Orlando during his adolescence) at 33 overall for a future 2nd rounder and cash considerations. The Magic currently have a bit of a roster crunch, which I'm sure played into that decision.
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