Brothers Franz and Moritz Wagner were a big part of the Magic's success last season. Franz Wagner is Orlando's second star and the team's second-leading scorer behind Paolo Banchero. The Magic just rewarded him with a max rookie extension, establishing their faith in his future as a potential All-Star in the NBA. Meanwhile, Moritz Wagner is an important piece off the bench for the Magic, providing crucial energy and toughness.
This summer, the brothers are once again playing for the German national team. After winning the FIBA World Cup in 2023, they are now chasing a gold medal at the Olympics in Paris. Germany might not be as starstudded of a team as Team USA, but they might be one of the biggest threats to the US's hopes of winning the tournament.
The German national team has plenty of experience playing together and features players happy to just fill a role as well as guys who excel in international competitions. Dennis Schröder, for example, always takes his game to another level when he plays for the German national team.
On paper, Team USA is still the most talented team in the Olympics, but it will be a competitive and thrilling tournament. If the German national team makes a deep run, the Wagner brothers will be a big part of it.
For all Magic fans, this is an opportunity to watch some familiar faces in the Olympics and keep an eye on particularly Franz Wagner's development.
Game 1: Germany vs. Japan
Brazil played a very physical game and the German team struggled with it initially. All Magic fans know that physicality does not bother Moritz Wagner much. Just like he does for his NBA team, the elder Wagner brother came off the bench and provided some good energy. His stat line might not jump out but Wagner made an impact on the game.
Franz Wagner left his mark on the game as well, though. His 3-point shooting is still a concern, but the forward still dropped 22 points in 26 minutes. He was the team's leading scorer and Japan had no answer for him.
22 points (9-17 FG, 2-8 3PT, 2-2 FT), 6 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block, 1 turnover, 3 personal fouls.
Game 2: Germany vs. Brazil
The German national team got its second win of the Olympics, beating Brazil 86-73. Dennis Schröder led the way for Germany with 20 points, 6 assists, and 4 steals. He can always be relied upon to elevate his game on the international stage.
Franz Wagner was Germany’s second-leading scorer with 17 points in 31 minutes. While the 17 points do not look bad at all, his shooting did. Wagner went 0-6 from three, continuing his concerning trend from the 2023-24 season with the Magic. Hopefully, the rest of the Olympics will be a chance for him to work through those struggles and return to Orlando with his shot figured out. The Magic will need him to make threes next season.
17 points (7-15 FG, 0-6 3PT, 3-4 FT), 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 4 steals, 1 block, 2 turnovers, 3 personal fouls.
Moritz Wagner Game-by-Game Performances
Game 1: Germany vs. Japan
Team Germany has an incredibly strong frontcourt between the Wagner brothers, Daniel Theis, Johannes Thiemann, and Johannes Voigtmann. Moritz Wagner and Daniel Theis alone combined for 33 points to open up Olympic play for Germany.
Much like with the Magic, the older Wagner brother comes off the bench for Team Germany. Leading the bench in scoring despite only playing the third-most minutes among reserves, he provided a nice spark against Japan in Germany's first Olympic matchup.
15 points (5-10 FG, 0-1 3PT, 5-5 FT), 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 personal fouls
Game 2: Germany vs. Brazil
Brazil played a very physical game and the German team struggled with it initially. All Magic fans know that physicality does not bother Moritz Wagner much. Just like he does for his NBA team, the elder Wagner brother came off the bench and provided some good energy. His stat line might not jump out but Wagner made an impact on the game. On the other hand, he struggled to take care of the ball, however, turning the ball over four times in 16 minutes on the court.
In an interview with Euro Sport, he mentioned how important it is to him to be that player who can come off the bench and give his team fresh energy. He also mentioned how important it is to be able to fight through struggles and physicality and grind out a game.
8 points (2-3 FG, 0-1 3PT, 4-4 FT), 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 block, 4 turnovers, 4 personal fouls
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