Unlike before, NBA players are coming up from all over the world. Before it was just USA players like Michael Jordan, but then players like Toni Kukoc and Dirk Nowitzki set the foundation for international players in the NBA. Now, the likes of Luka Doncic have taken the mantel and showcased their talent on the biggest stage.

Yet another international player is now a part of the NBA family. The Orlando Magic selected Franz Wagner in the 2021 NBA draft. He will also hope to help raise the standards of international players in the NBA.

In a recent conversation, Wagner spoke about Dirk Nowitzki being the Michael Jordan of Germany and also being on the NBA 2K game.

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Wagner says Dirk Nowitzki is like Michael Jordan

Franz Wagner explained how Dirk Nowitzki winning the championship was a huge deal. In addition, he also spoke about how it was Dirk who allowed him to believe that he could make it to the NBA. Interestingly, Wagner also compared Dirk to Michael Jordan.

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He said, “Dirk is like Michael Jordan for German kids. He made it seem possible to make it to the NBA. Not just make it, but also be a hall of fame type player. So, to see him win the championship, I still remember where I was at the time and stuff like that. It was a huge deal to everybody, and I think he made basketball in Germany a lot more important and relevant.”

Dirk definitely had a huge impact on international players. He proved that even they can come to the NBA and play at a high level. He is one of the few players to cross the 30000 point mark in his career. In addition, Dirk Nowitzki also won a title as a centerpiece for the Mavericks organization.

His championship run is one of the most talked-about as he defied all odds to win. Furthermore, Dirk has also won a regular-season MVP in 2007. He encouraged many international players into believing that they can also make it to the NBA. Nowitzki had a hall of fame career, playing for a single organization. He truly had a Michael Jordan kind of impact.

Who is Franz Wagner?

The Orlando Magic selected Wagner 8th overall in the 2021 NBA draft. He is a 6’9 small forward who played for Michigan. He is a versatile player who mainly causes damage by spacing the floor. Wagner is an all-around offensive player shooting almost 46% of his field goals.

Interestingly, he also has an elder brother in the NBA, Moritz Wagner. Moreover, Moritz also plays for the Orlando Magic. So, Franz has a great advantage as he can learn a lot from his brother while also having someone to hang out with.

Magic got a lot good from the draft by having two of the Top 10 picks. They also added Jalen Suggs with the 5th overall pick in the draft. They have an exciting young core who could develop into stars in years to come. Do you think Franz Wagner will be a star one day?

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