Why guard Franz Wagner makes the most sense for the Golden State Warriors

The Golden State Warriors have been linked to most prospects in the 6-10. From Jonathan Kuminga to Davion Mitchell, Golden State is going to get a top-tier prospect at No. 7, assuming they keep the pick.

One name not getting enough love is Michigan’s Franz Wagner.

With the Golden State Warriors looking more towards a win-now mode, Michigan guard Franz Wagner makes almost too much sense at No. 7.

Wagner is the younger brother of Mo Wagner, but he’s far more athletic. He stands 6-foot-9, so the height is there.

What’s also notable is his touch around the rim. As a freshman, he shot 61 percent from two-point range. As his role increased, his efficiency decreased, but even as a sophomore, he still managed to shoot 56.3 percent from inside the arc.

While that number may have dipped over the two years, what didn’t is his three-point shooting. He shot 34.3 percent from deep. While it’s not an elite figure, his mechanics are there, and he should be able to develop into a top-notch spot-up shooter.

It’s not just analysts that think Wagner would thrive in the Bay Area, but he also thinks that.

"“I think what they need, I think my versatility can help that team a lot. I think being able to defend multiple positions and also shoot the three well, I think is what’s going to help me stay on the floor or get on the court. I think I can read the game well and can play a free game, that’s what I would call it, and I think Golden State plays that very much,” Wagner said during his media availability per NBC Sports’ Josh Schrock."

Wagner goes on to mention his IQ as a reason for his potential success, and he’s absolutely right. Playing in almost 32 minutes per game, Wagner reduced his turnovers per game from 1.5 to 1.3. He reads the game very well for a player of his size.

Pulling down 6.5 rebounds and dishing out 3.0 assists per game, there isn’t much in his arsenal that should cause Golden State to shy away. Unlike players like Keon Johnson and Jonathan Kuminga, Wagner is ready to compete right now.

He’s a player Golden State should look at and feel comfortable can make a difference in a Finals game. The fact that he did go 2-for-16 from deep in Michigan’s four NCAA Tournament games is concerning, but overall, the numbers are there.

The fit is there as well as Wagner has the size to slot in behind Wiggins.

He could mesh with Jordan Poole and James Wiseman well, having a solid up-and-coming trio. All things point to Wagner being a great pick at No. 7, but it may be tough for Golden State to pass on Kuminga if he’s there at 7.