Franz Wagner is selected eighth in the NBA draft by the Orlando Magic. The Berlin basketball talent receives Olympic congratulations from Japan – and can hope for a future at the side of his brother.
Franz Wagner hugged his mother Beate in a gold-colored suit and sent greetings to Brother Moritz in the direction of Japan via mobile phone. The Berlin-based basketball talent in the Barclays Center in New York was already selected in eighth place in the NBA draft by the Orlando Magic – before that, it was not a German and also not Dirk Nowitzki’s turn in the world’s best league. “He told me that I should enjoy every moment, especially on the draft evening,” said 19-year-old Franz about the advice of his older brother (24). “It only happens once in a lifetime.”
When Wagner buttoned his jacket and proudly stepped onto the stage to meet NBA commissioner Adam Silver, US television showed an emotional video message from Moritz. “Franzi, I don’t know what to say. That’s unbelievable, you deserve it. You dream about it all your life. I’m speechless, enjoy the moment, I love you,” said the national player, who is currently at the Olympic Games from Tokyo is there.
Moritz had already played for Magic last season and is currently without a contract – it could possibly even come to a Wagner double in Florida in the coming season. The broadcasting broadcaster ABC has already compared the two ex-Alba players with other famous basketball brothers: The Spaniards Pau and Marc Gasol and the three antetokounmpos around champion Giannis were each selected in the draft.
Detlef Schrempf also in eighth position
The early award at the gala in the Brooklyn borough is proof of the enormous potential of Franz Wagner and the immense trust that Orlando has in the winger. 36 years ago, the Dallas Mavericks also opted for Detlef Schrempf in eighth place, and in 1998 the future superstar Dirk Nowitzki was drawn in ninth place. During the draft, the NBA teams are allowed to sign young players in a given order.
Even at Alba, Franz Wagner was considered one of the greatest German talents. In 2018, at the age of 16, he replaced Moritz as the youngest Bundesliga player at the capital club. A good and smooth throw from distance, a high level of understanding of the game and creativity characterize the younger Wagner. “He hits his throws, is a great defender and a great team-mate,” said ex-professional Jalen Rose.
Wagner recently demonstrated these qualities for the Michigan Wolverines – his older brother had also played there before. In the prestigious US college championship tournament this spring, Franz showed strong performances, then decided early on to make the jump to the NBA. “If Moe can play in the league – obviously they’ll take everyone,” he jokingly wrote in an open letter about the decision. Now the two Wagners may even be able to conquer the best league in the world together.
I have been working in the news industry for over 6 years, first as a reporter and now as an editor. I have covered politics extensively, and my work has appeared in major newspapers and online news outlets around the world. In addition to my writing, I also contribute regularly to 24 Hours World.
