Six Germans played in the NBA last season. And the list is getting longer, because another German was selected in the draft – who has a well-known brother.
Franz Wagner was selected in eighth position in the Orlando Magic NBA draft, and as a German basketball player as early as Detlef Schrempf. The Berlin Wagner (19) could play in the 75th season of the North American professional league at the side of his brother Moritz (24), who had finished the previous season in the jersey of Magic, but is currently without a contract.
“I can’t wait to get to Orlando,” said Franz Wagner, “it feels great, a dream has come true.” The team has “a lot of talent”, he just wants to get better every day in his rookie year. I want to be humble and learn from my team-mates. “
Franz Wagner (left) in 2019 next to his brother at a Eurocup game with his team at the time: Alba Berlin. (Source: Camera 4 / imago images)
In Orlando, “Moe” Wagner performed well. It could be that the Magic unite the brothers. Number one went to the Detroit Pistons on Thursday (local time) in Brooklyn Cade Cunningham (19).
Wagner is the seventh German NBA professional after his brother Moritz, Daniel Theis, Dennis Schröder, Maxi Kleber, Isaac Bonga and Isaiah Hartenstein.
Mega trade for the Lakers
The NBA record champions Los Angeles Lakers are strengthening themselves after matching media reports with Russell Westbrook of the Washington Wizards. For this, the Lakers give Kyle Kuzma, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Montrezl Harrell to Washington, as reported by the AP news agency, among others.
The change can only be officially announced on August 6th, when players can be signed for the new season. However, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver also revealed in the NBA draft on Friday night that the rights of Isaiah Jackson, selected by the Lakers in 22nd position, will change to the Indiana Pacers via the Wizards. In return, the Lakers are expected to receive two second-round picks from the Wizards in 2024 and 2028.
Russell Westbrook will now play for the Los Angeles Lakers. (Source: ZUMA Wire / imago images)
The 32-year-old Westbrook meanwhile said goodbye to Washington on social media: “I will be forever grateful and appreciate my experience in the organization. Thank you!”, He wrote on Twitter. The nine-time all-star and most valuable player of the 2016/17 season recorded a so-called triple double on average in his only season for the Wizards.
The Los Angeles Lakers had become champions for the 17th time in 2020, but were eliminated in the preseason – also due to injury problems of their superstars LeBron James and Anthony Davis – in the first playoff round against the Phoenix Suns. The contract of the German national player Dennis Schröder had expired after the season. He is also on the market as a so-called free agent.
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