“And he’s a Wagner, so (he has) charisma, professionalism. He’s serious about his craft,” said Michigan assistant coach Saddi Washington, who accompanied Wagner at the draft. According to Spotrac, Wagner is projected to at least receive a two-year deal worth an estimated $10.26 million. 8 overall pick, New York’s Obi Toppin, signed a two-year worth a guaranteed $9.96 million. I think he can become a better corner shooter, a better floor spacer, but that's something he's going to have to continue to work on.” “The way he cuts to the basket, and then he's able to actually become a driver off of his cuts, which is a little bit unusual, but I really like the way he plays and the way he moves without the ball. “He’s a good offensive player that is evolving into a really good offensive player,” Bilas said this week. Bilas also echoed Wagner, saying he can be better than his career 32.5% 3-point shooting numbers indicate. I shot the ball really well for the most part of the season, but just didn’t for the first and last couple games.”ĮSPN basketball analyst Jay Bilas called Wagner an excellent team defender who is “in the right spots all the time” and said he brings more value as a versatile defender. Also showing I can shoot the ball consistently. “I think that’s part of the most important thing for me going forward. “I think I can improve a lot in creating my shot and creating for other people when I don’t have an advantage yet,” said Wagner, who noted he grew a little bit and is now nearly 6-foot-11. Wagner, 19, said he still has room to grow his game and is still getting bigger and stronger. Defensively, his length and instincts made him arguably the best defender on one of the top defensive teams in the nation. Offensively, he was efficient from the field (47.7% shooting), upped his long-range shooting (34.3% on 3s), and showed improvement as a ball-handler and passer. In his second year as a full-time starter, Wagner averaged 12.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, three assists, 1.3 steals and one block per game, earned All-Big Ten second-team honors, and helped the Wolverines win the conference regular-season title and reach the Elite Eight. “I'm going to work my butt off in Orlando to become the best basketball player I can be and impact the team's game as much as possible.” “I’m someone that always wants to learn, always wants to get better, is never satisfied,” Wagner said. Wagner was viewed as the best prospect of the bunch due to his well-rounded game, size, versatility, and ability to defend all over the floor, making him an easy fit for any lineup. 42 pick, while Brown and Smith went undrafted. Livers was selected by the Pistons in the second round with the No. Wagner was one of four Wolverines to declare for this year’s draft, along with Chandee Brown, Isaiah Livers and Mike Smith. I think we'd have a good chemistry on and off the court and it would be cool just to be with my brother, but he's a free agent right now.” I couldn't really hear him, but he was super excited for me. “We talked on the phone right after I got drafted. 5 pick and selected Gonzaga guard Jalen Suggs. Moritz averaged 11 points in 11 games this past season with the Magic, who also had the No. He could potentially join Moritz, who is an unrestricted free agent, in Orlando as the two will become the 87th pair of brothers to play in the NBA. I think we were all just as nervous as the first time, but I think we had a good time.” This is their second time around at the draft. “For them to come over from Germany was really cool for me. “It means a lot,” said Wagner, who was joined by his parents at the draft at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. He’s also the program’s 29th first-round draft selection and ninth since 2013, joining a group that includes older brother Moritz, who was the No. Wagner is the 14th Wolverine to be taken in the top 10 and is the highest-draft Michigan player since Nik Stauskas, who went No.
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