Orlando Magic Playoff Berth 'Super Special' For Wagner Brothers

Both Franz and Moritz Wagner will be making their NBA playoff debuts with the Orlando Magic this week.

Dec 1, 2023; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic center Moritz Wagner (21) speaks to forward Franz Wagner (22) / Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

As the Orlando Magic prepare for a run in the NBA playoffs, childhood dreams are coming true. For the Wagner brothers, Franz and Mortiz, their dreams were just a little bit extra special. Growing up playing basketball together, Franz followed Mo to the University of Michigan, where they didn't get to play together, before joining his brother in the NBA.

Mostly by luck, the younger Franz ended up in Orlando, where Mo had signed to finish out the season prior. He signed an extension, and the two have played side by side for three seasons with the Magic.

Jan 21, 2023; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Orlando Magic center Moritz Wagner (left) and his brother Franz Wagner (right) / Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

After not getting to play together in Ann Arbor, the pair has played for Germany's national team and helped lead Orlando to their best season in 14 seasons. Franz has been the co-star to Paolo Banchero all season, and Mo has been a sparkplug down low off the bench.

On Saturday, Franz and Mo will each get to make their NBA playoff debut as the Magic takes on the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first round.

“I mean, it’s super special," said Franz about getting to play with his brother. "We grew up waking up at 3:00 a.m. to watch guys like Damian Lillard play in playoff games; just the first thing in the morning, watch the highlights and stuff like that. For us to compete against these guys and now be in the playoffs too, it means a lot. Especially super cool obviously with my brother, but I think the whole group; we’re a super tight group. I’m happy for everybody.”

The Magic and Milwaukee Bucks will have to meet in the Eastern Conference Finals for the Wagner brothers to get a chance to go to battle against Lillard, but regardless of who they end up playing against, they will be playing to win with their 13 other brothers.