#2 Franz Wagner – Forward – Michigan
One of the best options for the Sacramento Kings in this year’s draft class 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 is exactly what the Kings could need in a new wing.
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. The Kings need a guy who is ready to contribute and in many ways, which is why they should want Wagner in this year’s draft.
Again, a lot of their potential draft decisions though depends on the futures of Buddy Hield, Harrison Barnes and Marvin Bagley III. If both Hield and Barnes remain in Sacramento, then there may not be an immediate need for a guy like Franz Wagner on the wing, but he is still a guy they should consider taking.
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Much like Corey Kispert, Franz Wagner is not a guy that possesses a ton of upside as a prospect and is definitely not the most talented player in this draft class, but he is one of the more well-polished in multiple aspects of the game.
From offense to defense, Wagner can do a little bit of everything for Sacramento, which is exactly what they need. De’Aaron Fox cannot do everything for this team, which is why bringing in Franz Wagner with the 9th pick in the draft would be a smart move for the Sacramento Kings.
