Washington Wizards: Goals for each prospect entering Orlando

Washington Wizards Rui Hachimura Isaac Bonga (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Washington Wizards Rui Hachimura Isaac Bonga (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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Washington Wizards Moritz Wagner (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
Washington Wizards Moritz Wagner (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

Goals for Moritz Wagner: Cut down on fouls/Improve defensive rotations

Moe Wagner has been another pleasant surprise during Tommy Sheppard’s first-year. Moe started the season on a tear and was impressive off the bench in a stretch five role.

He has shot 34 percent from three this season and a quality 57.5 percent from the field. Unfortunately for the Wizards after his early season success, Wagner suffered an ankle injury that forced him to miss 25 games in December. He then took a bit of a step back upon his return in early February, but getting reacclimated to the game post-injury takes some time.

There is a lot to like about Wagner’s game, particularly on the offensive. He runs the pick and roll well and can be a pick and pop threat, which gives the Wizards a lot of space to operate when he’s on the floor.

However, the defensive end is where things need to improve, and Orlando will be a good place for him to work on that.

Wagner gets in foul trouble what seems like just about every time he steps on the floor. There is nothing wrong with being aggressive and using your fouls – you’ve got six for a reason – however, the Wizards lack from court depth, and foul trouble for Wagner present troubles for the whole team.

Wagner’s ability to draw charges on the defensive end has been incredible all season. If he can take some of that discipline and apply it to other areas of his defensive game like recognizing when and where to rotate and staying vertical when contesting shots, Wagner’s foul troubles should disappear.

All this may be easier said than done, but it can be done! Wagner only has 80 NBA games under his belt. He’s still learning.

If Moe can do a better job of merely keeping his foul rate down while still being as productive as he has been offensively, the Wizards will be happy to keep him around.