The Orlando Magic are making waves in the NBA, though they may have raised some eyebrows with their recent contract decisions. Last summer, the team signed Franz Wagner to a remarkable five-year, $224 million extension, which has drawn mixed reactions from fellow NBA executives.
ESPN’s Brian Windhorst reported that some general managers perceived this hefty deal as a means to inflate the market for young players eligible for extensions. This sentiment originated after Wagner’s performance last season, where he struggled with his 3-point shooting, hitting just 28%, and found himself in a slump during the Magic’s playoff series. As teams grappled with new salary cap rules that discouraged max contracts, several GMs voiced their concerns over the Orlando’s decision.
Despite the skepticism, the Magic were unwavering in their commitment to Wagner, citing his strong work ethic, character, and impressive physical attributes. Additionally, they pointed to his solid career free throw percentage of 85% as evidence that he can develop a more reliable jump shot. The organization anticipates that the projected 30% growth in the salary cap over the next three seasons due to incoming television revenue will positively affect Wagner’s value.
So far in the current season, Wagner has demonstrated the reasoning behind the Magic’s confidence in him. He is averaging 23.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 5.4 assists through 17 games, significantly contributing to the Magic’s promising start with a record of 10-7. Currently seated in fourth place in the Eastern Conference, the team appears well on its way to securing another playoff appearance.
In conclusion, while the Orlando Magic may have sparked debate among other teams with their bold financial commitments, Wagner’s impressive performance this season showcases the potential benefits of this investment. The focus on developing a strong core with talented young players like Wagner and Paolo Banchero could set the foundation for sustained success moving forward.