NBA Rookie Ladder 1.0: Evan Mobley has lived up to the hype for the Cavs

5. Franz Wagner, F, Orlando Magic

Franz Wagner was a prospect that entered the 2021 NBA Draft with a few more questions than answers. He absolutely had potential at the forward position, and was a worthy selection, but was far from a sure-fire, can’t-miss prospect.

Nevertheless, Wagner has been better than expected for the Magic. As a starter for the Magic, Wagner has averaged 15 points and four rebounds per game on 50 percent shooting from the field and 42 percent shooting from 3-point range.

He has emerged as a true deep threat for the Magic and has also displayed the ability to impact the game on multiple levels. On such a young team, the sky is the limit for a player with as much skill as Wagner.

It’s great to see him carve out such a big role this early in his career.