Moritz Wagner

[I_amWEB]

I don't think so. AD will be the Laker's starting center. The days of rebound first, no shoot range centers is over. Kuzma will play the 4 spot since I doubt LeBron will agree to play down low more.

2019-20 Laker's Starting 5

Rondo
KCP
LBJ
Kuzma
AD

[milesfides]

Mo Wagner was one of our best defenders last year, and one of the best defensive bigs in the NBA.

His 43.3% defensive field goal percentage was top 10, comparable to LaMarcus Aldridge, Hassan Whiteside, and Nerlens Noel's.

His 27.3% DFG in defending the three was top 5, better than Anthony Davis and Ben Simmons's.

His 55.4% DFG in defending the basket was better than Al Horford, DeAndre Jordan, Andre Drummond's.

Those are the numbers, but he also plays hard and has a high motor. A big part of defense is desire, which can't be taught.

The one thing that he didn't do well was shoot the three, but I'm writing that off as a result of his limited role and inconsistent minutes. His shot isn't broken, he still hit 81% on free throws, and with reps and opportunity I expect his 3-pt % to get closer to 40%, which is what he shot for two straight seasons at Michigan, at 4 attempts a game. He doesn't need to adjust or learn new skills, he just needs minutes.

I'm very high on Mo, and if Kuzma doesn't step up his game, he'd better watch his back.

[Laker_Kid]

Miles, i think you'd be a great agent. Not even kidding.

[Hoopz Afrik]

I like Mo but the jury is still out on him. If he is a legit NBA player, which I personally believe he is, then next year would be an ideal time to show it. I'd keep him around as a rotational big and hope that he can develop with the other pieces the Lakers (will) have in place. Seems like a hard worker. Solid skill set. Very Kelly Olynyk-esque but probably a more capable defender.

[tviper]

Mo Wagner was one of our best defenders last year, and one of the best defensive bigs in the NBA.

His 43.3% defensive field goal percentage was top 10, comparable to LaMarcus Aldridge, Hassan Whiteside, and Nerlens Noel's.

His 27.3% DFG in defending the three was top 5, better than Anthony Davis and Ben Simmons's.

His 55.4% DFG in defending the basket was better than Al Horford, DeAndre Jordan, Andre Drummond's.

Those are the numbers, but he also plays hard and has a high motor. A big part of defense is desire, which can't be taught.

The one thing that he didn't do well was shoot the three, but I'm writing that off as a result of his limited role and inconsistent minutes. His shot isn't broken, he still hit 81% on free throws, and with reps and opportunity I expect his 3-pt % to get closer to 40%, which is what he shot for two straight seasons at Michigan, at 4 attempts a game. He doesn't need to adjust or learn new skills, he just needs minutes.

I'm very high on Mo, and if Kuzma doesn't step up his game, he'd better watch his back.

With all of the hoopla surrounding the AD trade and cap space, what is lost is that the Lakers are probably not too anxious to give Mo and Bonga away. The scouts know what they are doing, and almost all of the draft picks have had some success. The only way I would jettison Mo is if it was absolutely necessary for space due to a firm commitment from one of the top guys.

[stan francisco]

He’s not ready yet.

Great smooth stroke. Once he can box out Candace Parker for a rebound, his shooting will become more interesting. Until then, trade or bench.

Somebody teach him how to box out, please!!!

[AGAVE]

Miles...

I don't think he played enough minutes, if not : enough quality minutes throughout the season to base that all on.

He will need sufficient SL playing time.
Then he will need to earn coaches call to be in games.
I thought last year, with the addition of TC, that Moritz should have been in and out of the G league.
A place where he could see more game time.

I don't know the contract to G League rules, but I wouldn't hesitate exploring that this year.

Seems like a heady player.

Like every player, we all want the best for them.

[Kilroy]

If Wagner is going to be anything special, this is when we'll get an idea... If he makes no significant leap this season, he's probably not going to stick around long in the NBA.
I'm not sure... He's got some flashes and quickness, but he still seems really raw. And why does he fall so much?

[milesfides]

Maybe hustle?

Watch on YouTube

I love that play at 1:25. Mo not only stuffs Horford, but dives for the ball. And not only dives for the ball, fights for it on the ground like a rabid dog. Name five 7-footers who would do that?

He's a dog. A good seven-foot dog is hard to find. He has a lot of pride, he's got fire, and you can't teach that. He plays hard, he gets in your face, and he's actually got the physical talent (athletic, long seven footer) and skills (court awareness, footwork, passing, shooting) to succeed, so that's why I would bet on him. He visibly loves the game and to compete, and that bodes well for his development.

Another player like that is Zach Collins. In a couple years I expect both guys to be a problem. If you make a list of bigs who have clear talent and visible passion for the game, that list will be remarkably short.

I mean, you have to ask if the Lakers gave him a fair shake for his rookie season. I think they treated a lot of players like trash.

[Landsberger]

I'm not seeing anything more than Madsen with a 3 in Wagner. He really looked overmatched athletically last year. Most of his minutes were in garbage time too.... so that wasn't against front line competition either. I'd be happy if he became a reliable 10 minute guy off the bench which is probably his ceiling on a true contender. He can be a spark type guy in the right match up.

Isn't he the most likely guy gone to get a max slot anyway?

[dAdo dA dEvil]

Maybe hustle?

Watch on YouTube

I love that play at 1:25. Mo not only stuffs Horford, but dives for the ball. And not only dives for the ball, fights for it on the ground like a rabid dog. Name five 7-footers who would do that?

He's a dog. A good seven-foot dog is hard to find. He has a lot of pride, he's got fire, and you can't teach that. He plays hard, he gets in your face, and he's actually got the physical talent (athletic, long seven footer) and skills (court awareness, footwork, passing, shooting) to succeed, so that's why I would bet on him. He visibly loves the game and to compete, and that bodes well for his development.

Another player like that is Zach Collins. In a couple years I expect both guys to be a problem. If you make a list of bigs who have clear talent and visible passion for the game, that list will be remarkably short.

I mean, you have to ask if the Lakers gave him a fair shake for his rookie season. I think they treated a lot of players like trash.

Hey Miles, I agree with you most of the time especially with the bold part. I really think we messed up with the development of our young players. But I think Zu is still better than Mo. Mo still needs a lot of more work to do to be ready in the NBA. I agree the fire is there but he's not physically ready yet to play C.

[AGAVE]

Zu will be missed.
Feel that Wagner moves better than him.
Strength and conditioning will benefit him.

I am going to start repeating on occasion that I feel that our new coaching staff will focus and address these things with each player.
Think we are going on the right direction.

[stan francisco]

Wagner will be a staple in the NBA. He has all the traits and talent needed. Especially mentally. He’s a fighter like Mad Dog but can actually play.

His shot, court awareness etc, it’s all there.

But he couldn’t have boxed out Shawn Bradley or even Isaiah Thomas last season. He’s clueless when it comes to boxing out. Falls over when Stephenson blows air on him in practice.

Until he boxes out and rebounds like an NBA big, he won’t get burn enough to showcase, and also to develop, his grit, floor diving, 3pt shot (very smooth stroke), FTs etc. He’s a gem in the polishing stage.

If he learns how to box out. No rebounds, no rings, and no PT.

[kblo247]

Maybe hustle?

Watch on YouTube

I love that play at 1:25. Mo not only stuffs Horford, but dives for the ball. And not only dives for the ball, fights for it on the ground like a rabid dog. Name five 7-footers who would do that?

He's a dog. A good seven-foot dog is hard to find. He has a lot of pride, he's got fire, and you can't teach that. He plays hard, he gets in your face, and he's actually got the physical talent (athletic, long seven footer) and skills (court awareness, footwork, passing, shooting) to succeed, so that's why I would bet on him. He visibly loves the game and to compete, and that bodes well for his development.

Another player like that is Zach Collins. In a couple years I expect both guys to be a problem. If you make a list of bigs who have clear talent and visible passion for the game, that list will be remarkably short.

I mean, you have to ask if the Lakers gave him a fair shake for his rookie season. I think they treated a lot of players like trash.

Fair shake? He got hurt in summer league and missed it. Missed preseason and training camp from getting hurt again. Then missed the opening Larry of the year hurt. Then missed g league games hurt. He didn’t give himself the fair shake being fragile and sitting out so much

[prime1time]

Wizards fan here. Surprised at all the hate and flack the Wagner has taken in this thread. What am I missing? 7 footer who can shoot the three. Plus he has handles and foot work. But you guys actually watched him play last year. What can I realistically expect? Because in a vacuum I see someone with Ryan Anderson shooting potential, but can also be a switchable defender, a rim running finisher in the pick and role and an incredibly hard worker/guy who's passionate about the game and can be a fan favorite. Mo seems to have the rare combination of 3-point shooting and physicality that is hard to find in bigs.

[Ballerhogger]

Wizards fan here. Surprised at all the hate and flack the Wagner has taken in this thread. What am I missing? 7 footer who can shoot the three. Plus he has handles and foot work. But you guys actually watched him play last year. What can I realistically expect? Because in a vacuum I see someone with Ryan Anderson shooting potential, but can also be a switchable defender, a rim running finisher in the pick and role and an incredibly hard worker/guy who's passionate about the game and can be a fan favorite. Mo seems to have the rare combination of 3-point shooting and physicality that is hard to find in bigs.

he’s ok but he won’t be much more than ok bench player if he makes it in the league . Just bit slow and can’t find his shot most of the time. Granted he was rookie ... but low Ceiling . He will be cheap bench player

[Landsberger]

Wizards fan here. Surprised at all the hate and flack the Wagner has taken in this thread. What am I missing? 7 footer who can shoot the three. Plus he has handles and foot work. But you guys actually watched him play last year. What can I realistically expect? Because in a vacuum I see someone with Ryan Anderson shooting potential, but can also be a switchable defender, a rim running finisher in the pick and role and an incredibly hard worker/guy who's passionate about the game and can be a fan favorite. Mo seems to have the rare combination of 3-point shooting and physicality that is hard to find in bigs.

he’s ok but he won’t be much more than ok bench player if he makes it in the league . Just bit slow and can’t find his shot most of the time. Granted he was rookie ... but low Ceiling . He will be cheap bench player

A lot of people put way too much value in a 7 footer shooting 3's. Wagner didn't do that particularly well either. The impression we have here is based in what we saw but you have to keep in mind most of his minutes were in garbage time too. So the level of competition wasn't exactly front line guys. When he did play against them he was overmatched physically most of the time.

He hustles and he knows how to play the game. Those things can keep him in the league.

[Kilroy]

Wizards fan here. Surprised at all the hate and flack the Wagner has taken in this thread. What am I missing? 7 footer who can shoot the three. Plus he has handles and foot work. But you guys actually watched him play last year. What can I realistically expect? Because in a vacuum I see someone with Ryan Anderson shooting potential, but can also be a switchable defender, a rim running finisher in the pick and role and an incredibly hard worker/guy who's passionate about the game and can be a fan favorite. Mo seems to have the rare combination of 3-point shooting and physicality that is hard to find in bigs.

I think what you're seeing is just a normal Lakers fan situation where there's a vocal minority with an irrational love for a player that rubs another vocal minority the wrong way and you get barbs thrown back and forth between the 2 groups...

Mo was a rookie... I mean, he's got a long way to go in the NBA. But he showed an ability to mix it up and hustle, and has a knack for getting to the rim. Beyond that, I don't think we know enough yet to either love or hate the guy...

Personally, I saw enough to be optimistic about his ceiling... I was just trying to tell Lakers fans that his rookie season isn't as important as his soph...