Magic stars Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero have impressed new head coach Sean Sweeney so far this offseason, giving fans hope for an exciting season in Central Florida. Wagner has taken on a leadership role with Sweeney's team, a necessity after recent events including the loss of his brother to the Brooklyn Nets.
Franz Wagner is heading into his sixth year with the Magic and was asked about how he is adjusting to life after Mortiz Wagner's departure.
“I think it's a work in progress, you know, he spent three weeks down here in Orlando, it's definitely been a little weird being alone at the house, to work (out) alone and stuff like that. Obviously it's bittersweet, I love playin' with my brother, we shared a lot of cool memories here in Orlando together, at the same time I'm very aware that five years is a super long time to play with your brother in the NBA, so I'm super grateful to everybody that was makin' that possible.
Article Continues Below“At the same time…I think there's a lot of cool things that could come out of that too, spending more time with different people.”
Moritz Wagner is projected to back up Day'Ron Sharpe at the center position with the Nets this season which could lead to more playing time than he had with the Magic. Both Moritz and Franz Wagner starred with the Michigan Wolverines in college in different years before playing together in Orlando.
The 2026-27 season will give both players a chance to continue to carve out their individual legacies while also remembering the different ways in which they are forever linked.