Michigan Basketball: Warriors would be a perfect fit for Franz Wagner

Former Michigan basketball player Franz Wagner will be a first-round pick on Thursday night, but Golden State would be the ideal fit. 

There is a growing sense that former Michigan basketball player Franz Wagner is going to be a top-10 pick on Thursday night.

Some around the NBA believe that Wagner has a promise from the Sacramento Kings to be picked ninth overall. Usually, the promise works like this: We will take you with the No. 9 pick (in this scenario) and you don’t work out for other teams.

You always hear rumors of draft picks being promised to certain players but Wagner held a workout with the Golden State Warriors recently. Wagner spoke with local media after his private workout and here’s what he told Wes Goldberg of the Monterey Herald about it:

“My versatility can help that team a lot,” Wagner said. “I think the way I defend multiple positions and also shoot the three well is what’s going to help me stay on the floor or get on the court. I can read the game well and play a free game — that’s what I would call it.”

Wagner wouldn’t say much about the Warriors possibly picking him ninth, although they do also have the 14th pick. However, if they want Franz, they will have to strike early as Memphis is also interested in him according to reports with the 10th pick.

Golden State would be ideal

The Warriors are looking for players who can contribute right away and Wagner fits that bill. He played two years at Michigan and was a professional player in Germany before that at the top level so he’s a pretty proven product.

Franz only shot 32 percent from 3-point range at Michigan, but he shoots free throws really well and he’s got the shooting mechanics to be effective. Plus, he can defend four positions (1-4) at 6-foot-9 and also has some secondary playmaking abilities.

One of the best attributes he has on top of his shooting, at least on offense, is his smarts. He knows how to move the ball. He can handle it; he can play out of ball screens but also doesn’t need to dominate the ball.

The Warriors already have Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, and Andrew Wiggins who are all under contract for next season, as well as Draymond Green. So Wagner isn’t going to go in there and start next season.

But he could play a valuable role off the bench. As he grows into his body, he could even provide some minutes at the four yet definitely at the two and three for stretches of time.

The Warriors who also have former Wolverine Jordan Poole, are already a playoff team and even though Wagner might not be a future superstar, he could easily be a future starter and a quality contributor to a playoff contender right away.