Franz Wagner wants to do even better with the Orlando Magic than last season. He still sees great potential in himself.
The currently very strong basketball world champion Franz Wagner is moving more and more into a leadership role at his NBA club Orlando Magic. “I definitely see myself as a leader! It’s definitely a role that I have to grow into a little bit, but I see it as my responsibility to lead the way and help where I can. I’m in my fourth year now “Here and that’s what the team expects from me,” said the 23-year-old on “Sport1”.
Wagner has been playing well so far this season and is averaging 23.2 points per game. Most recently, he caused a stir on Friday night with 37 points in the 119:118 win over LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers when he sank the decisive three-pointer seconds before the end. In the absence of his injured co-star Paolo Banchero, Wagner is currently Orlando’s first option on offense.
Nevertheless, Wagner still sees potential; in the previous season, the Berliner had problems with his three-point shot. In the current season he has stabilized.
“It’s important for me to continue working on my throwing. That opens up a lot in my game so that I can beat my defender off the dribble and make the right decisions when I’m in the zone. That’s where I have the most potential,” he said.
Comment: Franz Wagner, the sexy pick in the East
With Orlando, Wagner currently has ten wins and seven defeats, the goal is the play-offs. There, the team from Florida was eliminated in the first round by the Cleveland Cavaliers last season.
“The expectations for us now are that we want to play like we did last year – and hopefully even a little better. We all had a great summer and want to build on the success of last season,” said Wagner.
**Franz, you’ve shown impressive versatility this season, impacting the game through scoring, playmaking, and defense. How do you prioritize your different skill sets depending on the opponent and the flow of the game?** (This question assesses his basketball IQ and adaptability.)
## “Leading the Magic: A Conversation with Franz Wagner”
**Welcome to World Today News, and thank you for joining us for this special interview with Orlando Magic’s rising star, Franz Wagner. Joining Franz is his fellow teammate [choose a teammate, or leave it as “a fellow teammate”] to offer their insights.**
**I. Stepping into Leadership**
* **Franz, congratulations on your strong start this season and taking on a leadership role with the Magic. What has been the biggest adjustment for you in transitioning to this new responsibility?**
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[Teammate]: How do you see Franz evolving as a leader both on and off the court? What specific qualities does he bring to the team?
* **Franz, you mentioned that being in your fourth year with the Magic contributes to the team’s expectations of you. What does “leading the way” look like practically in your day-to-day interactions with your teammates?**
**II. Offensive Evolution and Potential**
* **Franz, your scoring average has notably increased this season, and you had a spectacular game against the Lakers. How have you approached refining your offensive game, particularly your three-point shooting?**
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[Teammate]: What have you observed regarding Franz’s commitment to improvement and his work ethic?
* **Franz, you mentioned that improving your three-point shot opens up other aspects of your game. Can you elaborate on how a consistent outside threat affects your decision-making and your ability to drive to the basket?**
**III. Team Goals and Playoffs Aspirations**
* **Franz, last season was a significant step forward for the Magic, reaching the playoffs. With the team’s strong start and your own strong performance, what are the team’s primary goals for this season?**
* **[Teammate]: How has the team’s dynamic changed since last season’s playoff run? What lessons learned from that experience are impacting your approach this year?**
* **Franz, how do you balance individual performance with the collective ambition of the team? How important is chemistry and team unity for achieving the Magic’s playoff aspirations? **
**IV. Looking Ahead**
* **Franz, what are your personal aspirations for this season, both statistically and in terms of your leadership development? **
* ** [Teammate]: What are you most excited about for the rest of the season, and what message would you send to the Magic fans?
* ** Franz, thank you for your time and insights. We wish you and the Magic all the best for a successful season.**
**Note:** This interview structure allows for a deeper dive into Franz Wagner’s development, leadership qualities, and the Magic’s potential for the season. The open-ended questions allow for thoughtful responses and diverse perspectives.