History of Franz Wagner (basketball) in Timeline

Franz Wagner, nicknamed "The Quandary", is a German professional basketball player currently playing for the Orlando Magic in the NBA. He is known for his versatile skillset and basketball IQ. Before joining the NBA, Wagner played college basketball for the Michigan Wolverines, where he showcased his talent and developed into a top prospect. He represents Germany in international competitions. His brother, Moritz Wagner, also plays in the NBA.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

August 2001: Franz Wagner Born

On August of 2001, Franz Jacob Wagner was born. He is a German professional basketball player for the Orlando Magic of the NBA.

2017: FIBA U16 European Championship

In 2017, Wagner played for Germany at the FIBA U16 European Championship in Podgorica, Montenegro, averaging 7.4 points per game as his team finished in 13th place.

2018: Brother's NBA Draft

In 2018, Franz Wagner's older brother, Moritz Wagner, was a first-round pick in the NBA draft after playing college basketball for Michigan for three seasons.

2018: Albert Schweitzer Tournament Gold Medal

In 2018, Wagner helped Germany win the gold medal at the Albert Schweitzer Tournament, averaging six points per game.

2018: Gold Medal at Albert Schweitzer Tournament

In 2018, Wagner secured a gold medal while playing for the German youth national team at the Albert Schweitzer Tournament.

2018: Dual contract with Alba Berlin and SSV Lokomotive Bernau

In the 2018-19 season, Wagner played on a dual contract for both Alba Berlin in the Basketball Bundesliga (BBL), and SSV Lokomotive Bernau in the third-tier ProB league.

May 2019: Won BBL Best Young Player Award

In May 2019, Wagner won the BBL Best Young Player Award while playing for Alba Berlin.

July 6, 2019: Commitment to Michigan

On July 6, 2019, Franz Wagner committed to play college basketball for the Michigan Wolverines under head coach Juwan Howard, declining a professional contract with Alba Berlin.

October 21, 2019: Wrist Fracture

On October 21, 2019, Wagner fractured his right wrist and was expected to be sidelined for four to six weeks.

November 27, 2019: Season Debut vs Iowa State

On November 27, 2019, Wagner made his season debut for the Wolverines, scoring six points with three rebounds and one block in 23 minutes during an 83–76 victory over Iowa State in the Battle 4 Atlantis quarterfinals.

2019: BBL Best German Young Player

In 2019, Franz Wagner was named the BBL Best German Young Player while playing for Alba Berlin in the Basketball Bundesliga.

2019: FIBA U18 European Championship

In 2019, Wagner played in the FIBA U18 European Championship in Volos, Greece, averaging 13 points and 4.8 rebounds per game and leading his team to 11th place. He missed one game with a back injury.

March 1, 2020: First Career Double-Double

On March 1, 2020, Wagner achieved his first career double-double, recording 18 points and 10 rebounds in a 63–77 loss to Ohio State.

May 4, 2021: Declared for NBA Draft

On May 4, 2021, Wagner declared for the 2021 NBA draft, foregoing his remaining college eligibility after being named second-team All-Big Ten by the coaches and third-team by the media.

December 27, 2021: Career-High 38 Points

On December 27, 2021, Wagner scored a career-high 38 points in a 127–110 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks.

January 12, 2022: Second NBA Double-Double

On January 12, 2022, Wagner recorded his second NBA double-double against the Washington Wizards with 14 points and a career-high 10 assists, marking the first time a Magic rookie forward had 10 or more assists in a game.

November 5, 2022: Season-High 31 Points

On November 5, 2022, Wagner achieved a season-high of 31 points, along with six assists, in a 126–123 overtime loss to the Sacramento Kings.

2022: EuroBasket Bronze Medal

In EuroBasket 2022, Wagner averaged 16.1 points and 4 rebounds per game, winning bronze for Germany by beating Poland in Berlin.

2023: FIBA Basketball World Cup

In 2023, Wagner became a world champion, winning gold at the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup with the German national team. He was named to the All-FIBA World Cup Second Team.

April 27, 2024: Game 4 Victory Against Cavaliers

On April 27, 2024, Wagner scored 34 points and had 13 rebounds to lead the Magic to a 112–89 victory in Game 4, tying their First Round series with the Cleveland Cavaliers 2–2.

July 6, 2024: Contract Extension with the Magic

On July 6, 2024, the Magic signed Wagner to a contract extension.

November 18, 2024: NBA Eastern Conference Player of the Week Award

On November 18, 2024, Wagner earned his first NBA Eastern Conference Player of the Week Award.

December 7, 2024: Torn Right Oblique

On December 7, 2024, it was announced that Wagner had suffered from a torn right oblique, an injury which teammate Paolo Banchero suffered earlier in the season.

2024: 2024 Olympics

In the 2024 Olympics, Germany lost to France in the semifinals and Serbia in the bronze medal game. Wagner averaged 18.5 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 2.0 steals and was named to the tournament's All-Second Team.