Wagner Brothers Return Home as NBA Ambassadors in Berlin
For Franz and Moe Wagner, this week’s Orlando Magic trip to Berlin is more than just a midseason detour - it’s a homecoming layered with meaning. The Magic are set to face the Memphis Grizzlies in Germany’s capital on Thursday, and for the two brothers born and raised in Berlin, it’s a full-circle moment. From local gyms to the NBA hardwood, they’ve traveled a long road - and now, they’re bringing the league back to where it all started for them.
During a press conference with German media on Tuesday, the Wagners opened up about what it means to represent the NBA - and the Magic - in their hometown. For Franz, it’s not just about the game. It’s about visibility, inspiration, and giving back.
“Of course,” Franz said when asked about the significance of the trip. “We know we’ve been a bit far away from the NBA world and from America, and then with moving and everything, it’s obviously different. But generally, for me personally, that was part of the goal of this trip - to make the path a bit clearer and more visible, especially for the next generation.”
There’s a sense of purpose in his words - a clear desire to use this international spotlight to inspire young athletes in Germany who might be dreaming of the same journey. And while the media attention is high, there’s also some good news for Magic fans: Franz appears to be inching closer to a return to the court.
He’s been sidelined since early December with a left high ankle sprain suffered against the New York Knicks. But Tuesday brought a hopeful update.
“I’m doing well,” he said. “I definitely want to have a good practice today and see how my foot reacts, and then we’ll go from there.”
By Wednesday, he was no longer listed on the Magic’s initial injury report - a strong sign that his return could be imminent.
Meanwhile, Moe Wagner is already back in action. After missing more than a year while recovering from a torn left ACL, he made his season debut on Sunday against the New Orleans Pelicans. Now, he’s not only suiting up again, but doing so in front of the city that shaped him.
Still, as much as the trip is emotional, Moe was quick to point out that this is, above all, a business trip. “I have to be careful how I answer this,” he said with a smile.
“Of course, as you can imagine, it’s actually a work trip for us. That’s something Franz already hinted at.
On the one hand, it’s great. I think we’re very privileged.
It’s been a cool experience, and we also had a bit of a mission - to bring the Magic, the NBA, to Berlin and to Germany.”
That mission is clearly something both brothers take seriously. While their teammates are soaking in the sights and asking about landmarks, the Wagners are balancing tour guide duties with their professional responsibilities.
“Of course, the guys have been asking us, especially if they can see certain buildings or parts of the city,” Franz said. “Then we go to practice, we have to eat, we go shopping - and we’re pretty tired.”
It’s a whirlwind, but one they wouldn’t trade. “For both of us, it was also important to have that mission of bringing the Magic to Berlin and to Germany and showing that to people,” Franz added.
“On the other hand, that also means we have a lot of appointments. That’s just part of the job, and we both take that very seriously.
We hope it comes across well.”
There’s no doubt it does. The Wagner brothers aren’t just representing the Magic this week - they’re representing a growing global presence in the NBA, and showing Berlin’s next generation what’s possible when talent meets opportunity.