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Franz Wagner and a strong candidacy for the All-Star and Most Improved Player

We review the merits accumulated by the 23-year-old German small forward so far this season that make him a candidate for both achievements.

Franz Wagner can be an All-Star and Most Improved Player in 2025. Photo: gettyimages

There are few more rewarding things for any NBA fan than watching a new star emerge. Franz Wagner is more than deserving of being considered as such, in a season with the Orlando Magic where he has been able to take on the team's leadership after Banchero's injury and showcase his impressive talent. He is a candidate for All Star and MIP.

At just 23 years old, he embodies all the virtues of European basketball with talent, explosiveness, and adaptability gained from his first three seasons as an NBA player. He is showing a winning mentality possessed by only a few. Franz Wagner is one of the great revelations of the competition, keeping the Orlando Magic afloat despite Banchero's absence thanks to the German's fine performance.

- Wagner has significantly improved his averages in points, assists, and three-point shooting

He is averaging four more points than last season (23.7 points per game), has markedly improved his three-point shooting percentage from 28.1% to the current 33.3%, and has emerged as a leader inspiring his teammates from defense, averaging 1.8 steals per game. His involvement in rebounding, with 5.6 rebounds per game, and a commendable vision of play has allowed him to increase his assists from 3.7 per game last season to the current 5.9.

It is clear that all this makes him a strong candidate for MIP (Most Improved Player) if he can maintain this pace. This award has become highly competitive in recent years, usually won by someone who has managed to break through the All Star ceiling, something that Franz Wagner fully deserves. Orlando Magic's good competitive position, his statistics, and his ability to lead the team leave little room for doubt about the new stage opening in the German's career.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Franz Wagner y una firme candidatura al All Star y al MIP