On Monday, Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul and Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid were named the NBA Western and Eastern Conference Players of the Week, respectively.
Paul averaged 22.3 points, 12.8 assists and 7.5 rebounds in four games on the week, including his second triple-double of the season on Friday. Embiid posted 34.7 points, 11.7 rebounds and 5.7 assists to lead the Sixers to a 3-0 week.
While Embiid won from the Eastern Conference, Orlando Magic rookie Franz Wagner was among those players also nominated for the award. He averaged 21 points, four assists and 2.7 rebounds on 64.1% shooting from the field as the Magic went 2-1 on the week.
Other nominees …
West: Devin Booker (PHX), Jaren Jackson Jr. and Ja Morant (MEM), Nikola Jokić (DEN) and Karl-Anthony Towns (MIN)
East: Jimmy Butler (MIA), Darius Garland (CLE), Jayson Tatum (BOS), Franz Wagner (ORL) and Trae Young (ATL) https://t.co/QVS5NMfT5m
— Cody Taylor (@CodyTaylorNBA) January 31, 2022
Wagner, who was named the Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month for December, saw a dip in his production to begin January but the eighth pick appears to be back on track now. He has scored in double figures in five straight games and continues to lead the Magic on a nightly basis.
The 20-year-old, who leads the rookie class in total scoring, has often drawn praise from his coaching staff and teammates. He has been commended for the work he has put in on and off of the court, something he believes has helped him have a strong start this season.
Wagner has emerged as perhaps the top rookie at both ends of the court this season. With his vast offensive repertoire and ability to defend nearly every position on the court, Wagner brings quite a bit of versatility to the floor each game.
This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!
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