Berlin/Orlando – There are the curries, the balls, the holidays, not to forget the Antetokounmpos and now the Wagners. After the news leaked into the US media a good three weeks ago, it is now officially clear that a German pair of brothers will be playing in the professional league NBA basketball for the first time – and on the same team. Moritz Wagner (24) has signed a new contract with Orlando Magic, following Franz (19), who is five years his junior.
The brother couple can also hope for a lot of time at the Magic, the club is in the process of being rebuilt. It is no surprise that Orlando relies on “Moe” Wagner again. The Berliner played in Florida at the end of last season after being passed on from Washington to Boston. And the bundle of energy was convincing: after eleven missions, ten in the starting lineup, an average of eleven points and 4.9 rebounds were recorded. Most recently, the center impressed with the German national team at the Olympic Games – such as at the qualifying tournament in Split / Croatia, where it was recognized as the most valuable player.
At the end of July, Orlando drafted Franz Wagner in eighth position. The good experiences with the older brother were probably not decisive, but certainly influenced the decision. Moritz Wagner was selected 25th in the 2018 draft by the LA Lakers, the experts trust Franz a little more. From a German point of view, the forward came as early as only Detlef Schrempf. Even Dirk Nowitzki, who went to the Milwaukee Bucks in ninth place in 1998, was eclipsed.
The way of the brothers is almost identical. Both played for Alba Berlin in their hometown, both competed in Ann Arbor at the US College for the Michigan Wolverines, both signed up for the draft, and both were taken in the first round. Now they both play for Orlando Magic.
Moritz starts at 21 again, just like last season. Franz actually got the shirt number because he wore it in college. Now, out of brotherly love, he is playing with 22 – as he once did with Alba.
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