Pelicans NBA Draft: Franz Wagner would pair nicely with Zion Williamson
New Orleans Pelicans: NBA Draft prospect Franz Wagner
Wagner is a guy who should be in the Pels’ draft range depending on how things go in the lottery.
The Pels are projected to have the 8th pick but could certainly move up if they get lucky or move back a couple of spots if they don’t.
Either way, Wagner should be there.
When you are talking about a mid-lottery pick for a team that already has a lot of young, high ceiling talent, drafting for “fit” is not a bad option unless there is a player available who you think is way better than his draft position.
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Wagner is a guy who is a good “fit” for the Pelicans, as he is a good defender who can guard both forward spots, he can knock down 3-pointers and is a good playmaker for his position.
The Pels could use someone else who can initiate the offense, especially off the bench, and Wagner profiles as a guy who can play some point forward or at least make plays from the post or the wing.
He is a good defender who averaged more than a steal and a block per game and he can shoot the 3-pointer well enough to keep defenses honest.
The knocks on Wagner have always been that he is not big enough to bang with NBA power forwards and is too slow to stay in front of wings. Wagner put some of those fears to rest with another strong season at Michigan, but his lack of athleticism will be a concern.