Orlando Magic forwards Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner are the best players on their team, and now they can be even better under Sean Sweeney.
The Orlando Magic are gearing up for their first season under head coach Sean Sweeney, and his previous experience could also benefit two players in particular: Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner.
Sweeney is coming off a strong one-off campaign with the San Antonio Spurs in which he orchestrated a defense that helped them reach the NBA Finals for the first time since the 2013-14 season. During the 2025-26 season, Sweeney played a major role in coaching Victor Wembanyama, who won the Defensive Player of the Year award, but his experience coaching superstars doesn't end with Wemby.
Sweeney has also coached Luka Doncic and Giannis Antetokounmpo during his time with the Dallas Mavericks and Milwaukee Bucks, respectively. Now, the benefits they received from Sweeney can translate to Wagner and Banchero.
In Wagner’s case, both he and Doncic come from a background rooted in European basketball. While Doncic is more of a bigger point guard, and Wagner is a true forward, the latter has the lateral quickness and handles to move like a guard.
Additionally, Wagner can bring the ball up the floor, and that will be a skill that is used often in Sweeney’s offense, which is predicated on spacing and making the right play with the ball. Wagner has only averaged 3.6 assists during his career, but Sweeney’s experience with Doncic could unlock Wagner’s game as a facilitator while continuing to elevate him as a defender.
Regarding Banchero, there has been enough evidence during his first few years in the league that he has the type of athleticism that can make him an explosive player. Pair that with his 6-foot-10, 250-pound frame, and you have a nightmare for opposing defenses.
However, there were times last season when Banchero’s athleticism was questionable at best. During certain games, he looked slow and indecisive, but the good news is that he acknowledged those flaws, and when he was at his best, he was nearly unstoppable.
Now, Banchero has taken this offseason to work hard on his body to become a stronger and more durable player. Sweeney can utilize this because of his experience with Antetokounmpo. Banchero may not possess the same massive archetype or rangy athleticism of Antetokounmpo, which earned him the moniker "Greek Freak", but his strength, size and skill are nothing to scoff at.
All told, Wagner and Banchero can benefit greatly from Sweeney’s presence, but as I stated in the latest episode of the Full Court Magic Podcast, they must utilize the tools he provides them with.
