#1 Franz Wagner – Forward – Michigan
The best option for the Washington Wizards in this year’s draft, if he is available, is Franz Wagner out of Michigan. The brother of NBA big man Moritz Wagner, Franz is a very unique prospect in this year’s draft class because he can do a little bit of everything on the court.
He did not participate in this year’s draft combine, so his measurements are a little uncertain, but he stands about 6’9” and is a talented, modern-day wing in the league. Wagner can pass, he can shoot and possesses great length on the wing, which is why he will likely be off the board by the time the Wizards are ready to pick.
The best word to describe Franz Wagner is “playmaker,” as that is exactly what he is on the wing. He was a catalyst for Michigan in the two years he spent in Ann Arbor and possesses the potential to grow into a reliable “3-and-D” type of player at the small-forward position.
There are definitely inconsistencies with Franz Wagner’s game in terms of his shot selection and basketball IQ with the ball in his hands, but he is always wanting to make plays out there on the court for both himself and his teammates. Washington needs a guy that can create a “spark” in their lineups outside of Westbrook and Beal, which is why they should want Wagner in this year’s draft.
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With the Wizards just drafting Deni Avdija last season to be their wing of the future, it may not seem like they would have room for a guy like Wagner, but these two could actually play quite well off of each other. Franz Wagner is much more of an all-around talent than Avdija is they could almost play a “two-man” game with one another as guys who can stretch the court and shoot from the forward positions.
If Franz Wagner is on the board for Washington at 15th overall, there is no reason that they should pass up on him. He would definitely be the highest rated player left on the board then and given their need for immediate talent, Wagner is a guy that can come into the NBA ready to play 20+ minutes per night.
