Draymond Green says Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner ‘Has Taken The Next Step”

Franz Wagner’s Olympic inauguration party was one of the stories of the summer surrounding the Orlando Magic.

Coming off a five-year, $224 million contract extension that drew mixed reviews from some league commentators, the fourth-year forward and former 2021 No. 8 overall pick by Orlando spent July and August suiting up for reigning world champion Germany in pursuit of Olympic gold. His most recent appearance, a fantastic 26 points His outing against France in the final group game on Friday was his best so far.

In the aftermath of the competition, which saw the Germans clinch first place in Group B and a favorable spot before the tournament’s knockout stage, Wagner was showered with praise. As a commentator for these Olympics as part of NBC’s coverage of the Games, Miami Heat legend Dwayne Wade got his first real taste of Wagner’s game, which made him an instant fan.

Wagner’s incredible summer has made its way to the United States, and his Magic teammate and countryman Paolo Banchero has noticed as well. In the third quarter of Germany’s win over France, Wagner came up the line and scored the most impressive dunk of the Olympics so far, finishing over the outstretched arms of three French defenders.

Banchero, who is no stranger to the art of postering, takes it upon himself to add:

But it’s not just commentators or teammates who are expressing their feelings about Wagner’s rising stardom.

On the most recent episode On Draymond Green’s eponymous podcast, Green analyzed the Olympic play so far. The longtime Warriors forward, a four-time NBA champion and two-time Olympic gold medalist, is the latest in a growing line to take note of Wagner’s play and the threat the Germans — who also have Franz’s brother and Magic teammate Mo — pose to win gold.

“Germany seems to me to be the big favorite for second place, for the silver medal, the second best team in the Olympics,” Green said. “Franz Wagner has taken another step forward. He’s dominating.”

Franz will help the Germans face former two-time MVP and NBA champion Giannis Antetokounmpo on Tuesday, kicking off a packed day of four quarterfinal games. If they can beat Greece, they will face the winner of Victor Wembanyama’s France and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Canada. Any potential first matchup against perennial favorites Serbia, Australia or the United States cannot come before a potential gold medal game.

“I don’t think Greece has the ability to compete with Germany,” Green continued. “I think Germany will win by double digits. Germany is playing incredibly well and I don’t see that changing until they play the U.S. team.”

The Magic’s Wagner brothers and Germany will face Greece on Tuesday morning, at 5:00 a.m. ET/11:00 a.m. local time in Paris.

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