Interview by
Jürgen Schmieder, Los Angeles
Moritz Wagner published a picture on social media last week that symbolizes the relationship between the German NBA professional and his brother Franz, who, like himself, is under contract with Orlando Magic. The picture shows Franz, it shows Shaquille O’Neal, one of the best basketball players in history – and it shows that his brother’s values in December were as famous as those of O’Neal in his first professional season: With 15.9 points, With 4.6 rebounds and 2.7 passes per game, Franz Wagner definitely has a chance of being voted rookie of the year, the best newcomer, at the end of his first season in the North American professional league. And even if Moritz Wagner didn’t mean the comparison very seriously: The big brother has already gone through a lot in this tough league, he knows how to appreciate the formidable development of the younger: Recently, in the game against the Milwaukee Bucks, Franz only managed 20 points again ( shortly before he had set a career record with 38 points), Moritz achieved 19 points and three rebounds.