FranzWagner

Preseason question: When does the lure of potential give way to frustrations over unrealized expectations? In the NBA, it usually happens around the time the check comes due. Well, not only is Wagner in year two of the five-year maximum extension he signed in the summer of 2024, but the Magic are now up against the second apron. The good news is that both Wagner and Paolo Banchero had real moments in Orlando’s near upset of the top-seeded Pistons in the first round of last season’s playoffs. The bad news is Wagner never finished the series due to an injury, after missing two-thirds of the regular season—not to mention the lackluster campaign overall for an Orlando team that thought it was hitting the nos button on its up-and-coming roster. So, once again, with feeling: Can the Magic conjure up the right supporting cast to bring out the best in their two jumbo wings? Orlando didn’t add much shooting to help on offense, but a return to an elite defensive unit under new coach Sean Sweeney and some additional health could be enough to delay any budget cuts.