Michigan Basketball: Franz Wagner goes off, throws down monster dunk

Former Michigan basketball standout Franz Wagner continues to play well in his rookie season and threw down the best dunk of the year so far in the NBA. 

Orlando Magic forward and former Michigan basketball star, Franz Wagner, has gotten off to a hot start to begin his NBA career.

Through his first seven games, the 8th overall pick was averaging 13.9 PPG and 3.6 RPG while shooting 49.4 % from the field and 43.8 % from 3-point range.

However, last night Franz Wagner took his game to another level.

In 31 minutes, Wagner dropped a season-high 28 points, four rebounds, and two assists. He helped the Magic come back from 11 down to pull off a 115-97 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves and snap a four-game losing streak.

Wagner was on fire from the field, going 10 for 18 from the field and 5 for 9 from three. He also put the Timberwolves on a poster.

Franz Wagner is rolling so in rookie season

The Magic have gotten off to a 2-6 start this season. However, expectations are low as Orlando is in the beginning stages of its rebuild. That has allowed Wagner to get a lot of playing time early on in his NBA career. Wagner is third on the team in minutes, averaging 32.1 minutes per game.

The Magic are a bit thin on the wing right now but just welcomed back forward Chuma Okeke from injury. Orlando will also get back guard Markelle Fultz and forward Jonathan Isaac at some point this season. However, as long as Wagner keeps knocking down shots, he will not have to worry about his playing time.

Wagner has always had a sweet shooting stroke, but he never shot above 34% from three while he was a Michigan basketball player. Wagner may regress a bit from his current 46% clip through the first eight games.

However, if Wagner establishes himself as a consistent 40% shooter from three, he will raise value and ceiling. Thus far, he is off to a great start and he is an early contender to make one of the  All-Rookie teams.