People were interested in these podcasts
Play Episode
71min
RealGM Radio
Can the NBA Copy the OKC Thunder's Blueprint? (With Esfandiar Baraheni)
Is the Oklahoma City Thunder's defense the best we've ever seen in the NBA playoffs? With standout performances from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren, the Thunder's defensive dominance fueled their run to the NBA Finals. This episode explores their strategic dominance, the Minnesota Timberwolves' future challenges, and intriguing off-season trade possibilities. Wes Goldberg and Esfandiar Baraheni dissect the Thunder's unique defensive tactics and speculate on potential trade targets like Jaren Jackson Jr. and Trae Young. The conversation also touches on the Timberwolves' need to adapt with aging stars like Rudy Gobert. Timestamps 0:00 Intro 1:00 Thunder's defensive dominance 18:30 Best defense we've ever seen? 29:00 Timberwolves offseason questions 40:00 Under-the-radar offseason trade targets RealGM Radio is powered in part by North Station Media (CLNS). For advertising or media inquiries, contact info@clnsmedia.com 🔔 Like, comment, and subscribe for more NBA insights and analysis! Follow RealGM Twitter: https://x.com/RealGM Follow Wes Goldberg Twitter: https://x.com/wcgoldberg PrizePicks: PrizePicks is the best place to get real money sports action. With over 10 million members and billions of dollars in awarded winnings, PrizePicks has made daily fantasy sports accessible to all. You just pick MORE or LESS on at least two players for a shot to win up to 1000x your cash! Run Your Game all season long on PrizePicks. Download the app today and use code CLNS to get $50 instantly after you play your first $5 lineup! Gametime: Take the guesswork out of buying tickets with Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code CLNS for $20 off your first purchase. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
RealGM Radio
Why the Knicks Made the Right Move to Fire Tom Thibodeau
The New York Knicks fired Tom Thibodeau as head coach this week. Wes Goldberg explains why Thibodeau didn't deserve to get fired, but why it will ultimately be the right move for the Knicks. ____________________________________________ RealGM Radio is powered in part by North Station Media (CLNS). For advertising or media inquiries, contact info@clnsmedia.com 🔔 Like, comment, and subscribe for more NBA insights and analysis! Follow RealGM Twitter: https://x.com/RealGM Follow Wes Goldberg Twitter: https://x.com/wcgoldberg PrizePicks: PrizePicks is the best place to get real money sports action. With over 10 million members and billions of dollars in awarded winnings, PrizePicks has made daily fantasy sports accessible to all. You just pick MORE or LESS on at least two players for a shot to win up to 1000x your cash! Run Your Game all season long on PrizePicks. Download the app today and use code CLNS to get $50 instantly after you play your first $5 lineup! Gametime: Take the guesswork out of buying tickets with Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code CLNS for $20 off your first purchase. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
RealGM Radio
NBA Contender Tiers with Matt Moore
Wes Goldberg and Matt Moore rank every NBA team in terms of whether or not they are a contender after the first wave of free agency. #nba 0:00 Intro 7:00 Thunder 9:51 Rockets 16:34 Nuggets 18:43 Cavs and Knicks 29:27 Spurs 32:00 Timberwolves 37:48 Magic 41:22 Pistons 49:02 Bucks 52:13 Lakers & LeBron trade ideas 1:00:47 Mavericks 1:03:59 Pacers 1:09:27 Heat 1:13:43 Pelicans 1:17:07 Bulls 1:20:54 Wizards and Hornets RealGM Radio is powered in part by North Station Media (CLNS). For advertising or media inquiries, contact info@clnsmedia.com 🔔 Like, comment, and subscribe for more NBA insights and analysis! Follow RealGM Twitter: https://x.com/RealGM Follow Wes Goldberg Twitter: https://x.com/wcgoldberg PrizePicks: PrizePicks is the best place to get real money sports action. With over 10 million members and billions of dollars in awarded winnings, PrizePicks has made daily fantasy sports accessible to all. You just pick MORE or LESS on at least two players for a shot to win up to 1000x your cash! Run Your Game all season long on PrizePicks. Download the app today and use code CLNS to get $50 instantly after you play your first $5 lineup! Gametime: Take the guesswork out of buying tickets with Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code CLNS for $20 off your first purchase. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
RealGM Radio
Thunder Take Control of NBA Finals, Desmond Bane Trade and Kevin Durant Destinations With Dave DuFour
OKC's defensive masterclass and Jalen Williams' breakout performance have the OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER on the brink of a championship. Wes Goldberg and Dave DuFour (The Athletic) analyze the THUNDER's path to success, dissecting their suffocating defense and the PACERS' struggles. The conversation shifts to blockbuster trade scenarios, including Desmond Bane's move to Orlando and potential Kevin Durant destinations. Charlotte's challenges with LaMelo Ball and roster construction strategies for struggling franchises round out this comprehensive NBA discussion. Timestamps 0:00 Intro 3:37 Thunder Defense 25:31 Exciting Finals for fans 34:00 Desmond Bane trade 50:14 Kevin Durant's next team 57:30 Trade Machine ideas RealGM Radio is powered in part by North Station Media (CLNS). For advertising or media inquiries, contact info@clnsmedia.com 🔔 Like, comment, and subscribe for more NBA insights and analysis! Follow RealGM Twitter: https://x.com/RealGM Follow Wes Goldberg Twitter: https://x.com/wcgoldberg PrizePicks: PrizePicks is the best place to get real money sports action. With over 10 million members and billions of dollars in awarded winnings, PrizePicks has made daily fantasy sports accessible to all. You just pick MORE or LESS on at least two players for a shot to win up to 1000x your cash! Run Your Game all season long on PrizePicks. Download the app today and use code CLNS to get $50 instantly after you play your first $5 lineup! Gametime: Take the guesswork out of buying tickets with Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code CLNS for $20 off your first purchase. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
ImageImageImageImage

The Official Franz Wagner Thread

Moderators: Def Swami, Howard Mass, ChosenSavior, UCF, Knightro, UCFJayBird

User avatar
Knightro
Forum Mod - Magic
Forum Mod - Magic
Posts: 27,968
And1: 29,182
Joined: Dec 18, 2010
Location: Jersey
 

Re: WELCOME TO ORLANDO FRANZ WAGNER 

Post#761 » by Knightro » Tue Dec 7, 2021 3:15 am

Xatticus wrote:I doubt it. I recall him being asked if he knew the Magic were going to take him and he sounded as though he didn't have any certainty about where he would go.

I think speculation about promises far exceeds their actual prevalence. His representatives probably had a general idea of his range and didn't see much upside in additional workouts. It doesn't make sense to shut down workouts unless someone gives you a promise well above your expected range.


Perhaps.

He's just pretty much the only guy in the top 10 players who didn't publicly workout with anyone. There were literally no reports of Wagner working out for anyone at all. Maybe his agents just preferred to keep things low key? Maybe the Magic went to him?

All I know is that the Magic (nor any other team) didn't post his workout interview or invite the media like they did with basically every other lotto prospect - Barnes, Kuminga, Kispert among others - who came to the facility.
The Effect
Magic Forum Mock Draft Co-Champ
Posts: 4,875
And1: 2,118
Joined: Jul 09, 2004

Re: WELCOME TO ORLANDO FRANZ WAGNER 

Post#762 » by The Effect » Sun Dec 12, 2021 12:39 am

basketballRob wrote:
zaymon wrote:
nicnac215 wrote:Franz is projecting to be a more athletic better defensive Gallinari. That is a perennial all star. Gallo has big holes in his game and Franz doesn’t really have ANY as a ROOKIE. Pretty special we got him.


I try to temper my expectations to not get dissapointed. I was propably the biggest fan of Wagner before draft, wanted to take him #5 above Kuminga and Barnes. I would still take Wagner over Barnes and Kuminga but i suppose i am in minority.
Me and Knightbro have been on his bandwagon for a while also. I know we were speculating way before the draft that we gave him a promise at 8. I got ridiculed for saying he had a game similar to Gordon Hayward.

He has exceeded my expectations so far. I did think he would be a player that would be hard to take off the floor because he does everything well.

Sent from my SM-G950U using RealGM mobile app


I still don't get the Hayward comp, their games are nothing alike
basketballRob
RealGM
Posts: 35,953
And1: 13,930
Joined: May 05, 2014
     

Re: WELCOME TO ORLANDO FRANZ WAGNER 

Post#763 » by basketballRob » Sun Dec 12, 2021 12:55 am

The Effect wrote:
basketballRob wrote:
zaymon wrote:
I try to temper my expectations to not get dissapointed. I was propably the biggest fan of Wagner before draft, wanted to take him #5 above Kuminga and Barnes. I would still take Wagner over Barnes and Kuminga but i suppose i am in minority.
Me and Knightbro have been on his bandwagon for a while also. I know we were speculating way before the draft that we gave him a promise at 8. I got ridiculed for saying he had a game similar to Gordon Hayward.

He has exceeded my expectations so far. I did think he would be a player that would be hard to take off the floor because he does everything well.

Sent from my SM-G950U using RealGM mobile app


I still don't get the Hayward comp, their games are nothing alike
I think they're a lot alike. Both handle the ball well, good first step, and can shoot. Franz might have a higher ceiling because he's longer and can defend.

Sent from my SM-G950U using RealGM mobile app
Optimus_Steel
RealGM
Posts: 38,087
And1: 12,086
Joined: Sep 16, 2003
Location: Winter Garden, FL
   

Re: WELCOME TO ORLANDO FRANZ WAGNER 

Post#764 » by Optimus_Steel » Sun Dec 12, 2021 1:32 am

I'm settling on a rich man's Hedo. More athletic and better defending Magic Hedo is a multiple All-star player.

Sent from my Pixel 5 using RealGM mobile app
aka: prorl
nicnac215
Sixth Man
Posts: 1,843
And1: 536
Joined: Feb 28, 2010
Location: Southern California

Re: WELCOME TO ORLANDO FRANZ WAGNER 

Post#765 » by nicnac215 » Sun Dec 12, 2021 1:41 am

Optimus_Steel wrote:I'm settling on a rich man's Hedo. More athletic and better defending Magic Hedo is a multiple All-star player.

Sent from my Pixel 5 using RealGM mobile app

I wouldn’t compare him to Hedo even. Hedo had a much lower bbiq. He would shoot bad shots consistently. More like an inverted AK47. Great offensively and above average defensively. Franz the future!
ORLMagicGirl15
RealGM
Posts: 13,894
And1: 5,615
Joined: Aug 03, 2010
 

Re: WELCOME TO ORLANDO FRANZ WAGNER 

Post#766 » by ORLMagicGirl15 » Sun Dec 12, 2021 5:41 am

I don’t know who this kid reminds me of but I like him. I truly hope that we get to watch him reach his full potential.
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.-John 3:16

Go Magic, Go Dwight, Go Vuc, Go Paolo, Go Keegan :)
User avatar
KillMonger
RealGM
Posts: 20,532
And1: 11,110
Joined: Oct 13, 2012
     

Re: WELCOME TO ORLANDO FRANZ WAGNER 

Post#767 » by KillMonger » Sun Dec 12, 2021 7:56 am

Image
basketballRob
RealGM
Posts: 35,953
And1: 13,930
Joined: May 05, 2014
     

Re: WELCOME TO ORLANDO FRANZ WAGNER 

Post#768 » by basketballRob » Sun Dec 12, 2021 8:33 am

nicnac215 wrote:
Optimus_Steel wrote:I'm settling on a rich man's Hedo. More athletic and better defending Magic Hedo is a multiple All-star player.

Sent from my Pixel 5 using RealGM mobile app

I wouldn’t compare him to Hedo even. Hedo had a much lower bbiq. He would shoot bad shots consistently. More like an inverted AK47. Great offensively and above average defensively. Franz the future!
I remember Hedo having a energy problem. In some games, he would just be flat. They started correcting it in the year we went to the Finals, his diet consisted of a lot of beer and pizza.

Franz seems more disciplined.

Sent from my SM-G950U using RealGM mobile app
User avatar
drsd
RealGM
Posts: 38,974
And1: 8,872
Joined: Mar 16, 2003
     

Re: WELCOME TO ORLANDO FRANZ WAGNER 

Post#769 » by drsd » Sun Dec 12, 2021 10:20 am

basketballRob wrote:
nicnac215 wrote:
Optimus_Steel wrote:I'm settling on a rich man's Hedo. More athletic and better defending Magic Hedo is a multiple All-star player.

Sent from my Pixel 5 using RealGM mobile app

I wouldn’t compare him to Hedo even. Hedo had a much lower bbiq. He would shoot bad shots consistently. More like an inverted AK47. Great offensively and above average defensively. Franz the future!
I remember Hedo having a energy problem. In some games, he would just be flat. They started correcting it in the year we went to the Finals, his diet consisted of a lot of beer and pizza.

Franz seems more disciplined.

Sent from my SM-G950U using RealGM mobile app




Image


Far be it for me to criticize a professional athlete for the way he takes care of his body, but I do have to say that (without even knowing that the TNT cameras caught Hedo Turkoglu(notes) eating pizza before the game), the Magic forward's uniform looked awful clingy on Sunday. Seriously.

And Hedo? Come on, man. You're 30. You're not supposed to eat pizza before the game in November when you're playing the Timberwolves at home, much less before a Game 7 against the defending champs. Don't you know that Bill Russell only ate tire irons and drank siphoned-out diesel gas before every game?



But at least he got paid for it:

User avatar
BadMofoPimp
RealGM
Posts: 48,883
And1: 12,429
Joined: Oct 12, 2003
Location: In the Paint

Re: WELCOME TO ORLANDO FRANZ WAGNER 

Post#770 » by BadMofoPimp » Sun Dec 12, 2021 6:43 pm

A Magic rep told me back in 2010 that Hedo was a heavy smoker. Don't think Franz smokes cigarettes. No comparison there.
Image

Provin Ya'll Wrong!!!
Optimus_Steel
RealGM
Posts: 38,087
And1: 12,086
Joined: Sep 16, 2003
Location: Winter Garden, FL
   

Re: WELCOME TO ORLANDO FRANZ WAGNER 

Post#771 » by Optimus_Steel » Sun Dec 12, 2021 7:10 pm

That's why I said rich man's Hedo as in a more dynamic version of Hedo.

Sent from my Pixel 5 using RealGM mobile app
aka: prorl
Optimus_Steel
RealGM
Posts: 38,087
And1: 12,086
Joined: Sep 16, 2003
Location: Winter Garden, FL
   

Re: WELCOME TO ORLANDO FRANZ WAGNER 

Post#772 » by Optimus_Steel » Sun Dec 12, 2021 10:17 pm

BadMofoPimp wrote:A Magic rep told me back in 2010 that Hedo was a heavy smoker. Don't think Franz smokes cigarettes. No comparison there.
I heard the same as well.

Sent from my Pixel 5 using RealGM mobile app
aka: prorl
User avatar
Horcy
Lead Assistant
Posts: 4,773
And1: 369
Joined: Apr 27, 2006
Location: Buenos Aires - Argentina - HORCAS RELOADED!!!

Re: WELCOME TO ORLANDO FRANZ WAGNER 

Post#773 » by Horcy » Sun Dec 12, 2021 11:24 pm

I don't know why people see that Franz is so similar to Hedo. Despite their height and that both are Europeans I do not see many similarities in their games.
Franz is a much more athletic player and he defends much better.
If we compare Hedo's first year in the league, his impact is not even close to Franz's.

Hey! Franz is leading all rookies in total scoring!

https://therookiewire.usatoday.com/2021/12/12/franz-wagner-now-leads-all-rookie-players-in-total-scoring/
basketballRob
RealGM
Posts: 35,953
And1: 13,930
Joined: May 05, 2014
     

Re: WELCOME TO ORLANDO FRANZ WAGNER 

Post#774 » by basketballRob » Sun Dec 12, 2021 11:35 pm

Horcy wrote:I don't know why people see that Franz is so similar to Hedo. Despite their height and that both are Europeans I do not see many similarities in their games.
Franz is a much more athletic player and he defends much better.
If we compare Hedo's first year in the league, his impact is not even close to Franz's.

Hey! Franz is leading all rookies in total scoring!

https://therookiewire.usatoday.com/2021/12/12/franz-wagner-now-leads-all-rookie-players-in-total-scoring/
They look so similar to me offensively. Also, I remember the first time I saw Hedo I thought that's a tall guy that runs like a guard. Franz is very fast just like him.



pepe1991
RealGM
Posts: 22,885
And1: 18,870
Joined: Jan 10, 2016
   

Re: WELCOME TO ORLANDO FRANZ WAGNER 

Post#775 » by pepe1991 » Mon Dec 13, 2021 9:13 am

imo most comparisons are some sort of race-baced. His overall awarness and feeling makes him more of Paul George than most guys that people here mentioned.
Now will he reach level of sucess & versitality George menaged to reach, i don't know. But 6'9-6'10, mobile, fine shooter, good feeling for dribbling for a size, defensive awarness, yea ,it's George-like.
Life is what happens when you're busy making other plans. -John Lennon
LDNMagic90
Bench Warmer
Posts: 1,423
And1: 975
Joined: Apr 20, 2021
     

Re: WELCOME TO ORLANDO FRANZ WAGNER 

Post#776 » by LDNMagic90 » Mon Dec 13, 2021 9:49 am

pepe1991 wrote:imo most comparisons are some sort of race-baced. His overall awarness and feeling makes him more of Paul George than most guys that people here mentioned.
Now will he reach level of sucess & versitality George menaged to reach, i don't know. But 6'9-6'10, mobile, fine shooter, good feeling for dribbling for a size, defensive awarness, yea ,it's George-like.


I was going to say I feel like people compare a player based on their race. He has similarities I guess to Hedo in his play style but George is a much better comp in my opinion.
User avatar
RookieStar
RealGM
Posts: 27,042
And1: 7,710
Joined: Jul 01, 2009
 

Re: WELCOME TO ORLANDO FRANZ WAGNER 

Post#777 » by RookieStar » Mon Dec 13, 2021 10:16 am

LDNMagic90 wrote:
pepe1991 wrote:imo most comparisons are some sort of race-baced. His overall awarness and feeling makes him more of Paul George than most guys that people here mentioned.
Now will he reach level of sucess & versitality George menaged to reach, i don't know. But 6'9-6'10, mobile, fine shooter, good feeling for dribbling for a size, defensive awarness, yea ,it's George-like.


I was going to say I feel like people compare a player based on their race. He has similarities I guess to Hedo in his play style but George is a much better comp in my opinion.


I at first thought of him as AK47... but as I said I was thinkibg more of LAC Odom especially with his offensive prowess and willingness to habdle the ball.
pepe1991
RealGM
Posts: 22,885
And1: 18,870
Joined: Jan 10, 2016
   

Re: WELCOME TO ORLANDO FRANZ WAGNER 

Post#778 » by pepe1991 » Mon Dec 13, 2021 10:34 am

RookieStar wrote:
LDNMagic90 wrote:
pepe1991 wrote:imo most comparisons are some sort of race-baced. His overall awarness and feeling makes him more of Paul George than most guys that people here mentioned.
Now will he reach level of sucess & versitality George menaged to reach, i don't know. But 6'9-6'10, mobile, fine shooter, good feeling for dribbling for a size, defensive awarness, yea ,it's George-like.


I was going to say I feel like people compare a player based on their race. He has similarities I guess to Hedo in his play style but George is a much better comp in my opinion.


I at first thought of him as AK47... but as I said I was thinkibg more of LAC Odom especially with his offensive prowess and willingness to habdle the ball.


Odom is very nice comb. Hopefully no Kardashians and and no crack
Life is what happens when you're busy making other plans. -John Lennon
LDNMagic90
Bench Warmer
Posts: 1,423
And1: 975
Joined: Apr 20, 2021
     

Re: WELCOME TO ORLANDO FRANZ WAGNER 

Post#779 » by LDNMagic90 » Mon Dec 13, 2021 10:49 am

RookieStar wrote:
LDNMagic90 wrote:
pepe1991 wrote:imo most comparisons are some sort of race-baced. His overall awarness and feeling makes him more of Paul George than most guys that people here mentioned.
Now will he reach level of sucess & versitality George menaged to reach, i don't know. But 6'9-6'10, mobile, fine shooter, good feeling for dribbling for a size, defensive awarness, yea ,it's George-like.


I was going to say I feel like people compare a player based on their race. He has similarities I guess to Hedo in his play style but George is a much better comp in my opinion.


I at first thought of him as AK47... but as I said I was thinkibg more of LAC Odom especially with his offensive prowess and willingness to habdle the ball.


That's actually an interesting comp now that you've said it, Franz is very similar to LAC Odom and has a bit of AK to him
User avatar
tiderulz
RealGM
Posts: 36,900
And1: 14,835
Joined: Jun 16, 2010
Location: Atlanta
 

Re: WELCOME TO ORLANDO FRANZ WAGNER 

Post#780 » by tiderulz » Mon Dec 13, 2021 2:25 pm

LDNMagic90 wrote:
RookieStar wrote:
LDNMagic90 wrote:
I was going to say I feel like people compare a player based on their race. He has similarities I guess to Hedo in his play style but George is a much better comp in my opinion.


I at first thought of him as AK47... but as I said I was thinkibg more of LAC Odom especially with his offensive prowess and willingness to habdle the ball.


That's actually an interesting comp now that you've said it, Franz is very similar to LAC Odom and has a bit of AK to him

i thought AK47 coming into the draft and league. I havent seen that level of defense out of him, but seen more offense than i expected.

Return to Orlando Magic