NBA Comparison: Nemanja Bjelica/Mike Dunleavy Jr.

Strengths: Wagner has ideal size and versatility for a modern forward …  At 6’9 and 220 pounds, he will most likely play small forward, but can be comfortable at shooting guard or power forward on offense and defense … His versatility gives him added intrigue … Is a solid rebounder, securing 6.5 boards per game, though added strength will allow him to be stronger on the boards … Boxes out well, and is physical in keeping opposing players away from the offensive glass … Is a tremendous finisher inside, shooting over 70% at the rim … Has a good handle for a forward, and often brought the ball up for the Wolverines … He won’t be the primary ball handler for an offense, but can be a solid secondary offensive initiator as he has great vision … Averaged three assists per game this season, up from just 1 a game in his freshman season … The game is slowing down, and Wagner was able to make better and more decisive reads while the ball was in his hands…Averaged just 1.3 turnovers per game … Shooters free throws at over 83%, highlighting better shooting percentages from three in the future…Clearly has potential on the offensive end, improving in nearly every statistical category this season … For all his ability on offense, his NBA value lies in his defensive range and ability … He can easily guard 2-4 in the NBA, and could guard a point guard or center in a pinch … His defensive versatility matches perfectly with the evolving pro game, as switching on screens and defending multiple positions is becoming a key to defensive success … Long, with active hands, Wagner reads the game well and can disrupt opposing offenses … Is tough to get around, as he has a strong frame and move well laterally … He has excellent understanding of defensive positioning, as he often rotates to take away passing lanes, before recovering well to his man…His IQ and length allow him to contest shots really well … Shooting form looks solid … Despite struggling shooting the ball from the floor, he hit 83% from the line as a sophomore giving his jump shot intrigue to develop …

Weaknesses: Wagner may struggle to create his own shot in the NBA due to his lack of explosiveness getting to the hoop and lack of great foot speed to gain separation  … Was an excellent finisher in college, but with much better athletes in the NBA, he may have difficulty matching that success rate … He shot just 34% from deep this season … His inability to shoot from range was disappointing and this could limit his time on the court early in his career … Shot just under 38% on two point jumpers this season, reinforcing that he will not be much of a shooter, at least without years of development … Was only assisted on 7.7% of his two-point jumpers, and can get baited into shooting jumpers rather than getting to the lane … Averaged 12.5 points per game this season, with only six games that he recorded at least 20 points, showing he will be a limited offensive threat … Needs to bring his skill set up to the level of producing excellent defense to increase his value to teams … May struggle to create his own shot, although he should have more space to work with as teams will not be keying their defenses on him as they did at Michigan … For his length and size, Wagner struggled to bring in offensive rebounds, with just 20 in 28 games…. Did not show a significant jump in production from his freshman to sophomore year, averaging just a point more, though his efficiency and assists improved …

Notes: Pronounced “vogner” … Native of Berlin, Germany … A highly motivated, mature  and focused individual, Wagner is projected as a late lottery pick to mid first rounder for the 2021 NBA draft … Had a very rough end to his college career with a virtual no show in their upset loss to UCLA going 1-10 for just 4 points… Brother Mo Wagner was a first round pick of the Los Angeles Lakers, and most recently played for the Boston Celtics … Prior to moving to the US, in 2018-19, Franz played on a dual contract with Alba Berlin and SSV lok Bernau …

Michael Hopp 4/18/21