Brothers Franz Wagner and Moritz ‘Moe’ Wagner return to their homeland of Germany as the Orlando Magic face off against the Memphis Grizzlies in Berlin (2 p.m. EST).
Moe returned to NBA action last Sunday against the New Orleans Pelicans for the first time in 386 days after suffering an ACL tear in December 2024. While Moe will feature, his brother, Franz, was questionable, but he has since been taken off the injury report and is expected to play.
The Wagner Brothers Return to Germany
Since Dirk Nowitzki’s incredible career in the NBA, the Wagner brothers have been lauded as the next generation of German excellence in America.
In 24 games this season, younger brother Franz has averaged 22.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 3.7 assists, shooting 49% from the field.
Moe has suffered a torrid time with injuries, but his best full season came in the 2023/24 campaign, averaging 10.9 points and 4.3 rebounds in 80 games.
The pair have given blood, sweat, and tears for the Magic, but have they ever suited up for their national team?
National Team Careers
Older brother Moe was imperative for Germany’s qualification to the 2020 Olympic Games, earning the MVP award (14.3 PPG) in qualifying and averaging 11 points at the Games.
He was a member of the German team that secured their first World Cup win in 2023, playing eight games and averaging 11.9 points and 4.8 rebounds. Moe played in six games at the 2024 Olympics as Germany bowed out in the bronze medal game against Serbia.
His younger brother has been electrifying for Germany in his national team career, averaging 15.2 points at EuroBasket 2022 as Germany won bronze.
He joined his brother, Moe, as a world champion in 2023, recording 19 points and seven rebounds in the final against Serbia and earning an All-FIBA World Cup Second Team selection.
He was named on the Olympic All-Second Team, averaging 18.5 points and 5.8 rebounds in six games in Paris.
Most recently, Germany secured the European crown at the 2025 EuroBasket, with Franz averaging a remarkable 20.8 points and earning a spot on the FIBA EuroBasket All-Tournament Team.
He was joined by fellow German teammate Dennis Schröder, Slovenia’s Luka Dončić, Greece’s Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Turkey’s Alperen Şengün.
The pair’s glittering success will earn them a hero’s welcome when they arrive in the German capital this evening. Germany has developed some exceptional NBA talent over the years, including Hall of Famer Nowitzki and two-time Sixth Man of the Year Detlef Schrempf.
Where would the Wagner brothers rank among the best German players to play in the NBA?
