Potential International lineup for Team USA vs World future All-Star Game format
By Ben Handler
Backup Guard: Franz Wagner, Germany
Franz isn’t truly a guard, but it’s his best path to making this team. They need more ballhandling and perimeter playmaking and Wagner is up to the task. He’s more of a wing player and a secondary option, and that’s a role he can still fill on this roster, but it’s nice to have another “guard” option in a pinch.
Wagner has broken out for the up-and-coming Orlando Magic this season, averaging 19.8 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 3.9 assists on the season. He’s had a down year shooting the three at just 29%, but he’s been around 35% in his first two seasons and has a solid-looking stroke.
Besides, if he’s shooting threes for this team they are likely to be wide-open looks. He can do a little bit of everything and won’t be asked to do too much for this international team. He’s a good option at the end of the bench who can plug a number of holes if needed.
He’s a scrappy defender and has the size and athleticism to battle with most players. He’s incomplete, at just 22 years old, and playing in his third NBA season, but Wagner would likely be a fixture on this team for many years to come.