Imagine this: two NBA stars, born and raised in Berlin, return to their hometown not just to play a game, but to share their roots with their teammates. This is the story of Franz and Moritz Wagner, the brothers who brought the Orlando Magic to Berlin, and it’s more than just basketball.
As snow gently fell outside Borchardt, one of Berlin’s most iconic restaurants, the Wagner brothers arrived, dressed casually yet purposefully. Franz, in a sweater and khaki pants, hung his coat and scarf on a wheeled rack near the entrance, a small detail that hinted at the warmth and familiarity of the evening ahead. Their parents and Moritz followed closely, greeted by restaurant staff who had been eagerly awaiting their arrival. The scene was far from private—patrons indulged in schnitzel and German pinot noir as the Wagners made their way to a table near the back. But this wasn’t just any dinner; it was a homecoming, a chance for Franz and Moritz to showcase their beloved Berlin to their Orlando Magic teammates.
And here’s where it gets even more special: just minutes later, Magic stars Paolo Banchero and Desmond Bane walked through the same doors, braving the cold Berlin night to join the Wagners. Tristan Da Silva, a Munich native, and eventually Wendell Carter and Orlando Robinson, also joined the gathering. For two hours, laughter and conversation filled the air, punctuated by the clinking of glasses and the savoring of German cuisine. This wasn’t a formal event—it was the informal kickoff to the Wagners hosting their team in Berlin, ahead of the NBA’s highly anticipated games between the Magic and the Memphis Grizzlies in Europe.
But here’s where it gets controversial: as the NBA continues to globalize, with stars like Victor Wembanyama hosting teammates in Paris last season, is this trend of players returning to their hometowns for games a passing fad or the future of the league? And this is the part most people miss: these moments aren’t just about basketball; they’re about connection, culture, and the power of roots. The Wagners’ dinner at Borchardt, a favorite among Hollywood stars and NBA legends like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Dirk Nowitzki, was originally planned for 40 guests in a private room. But after a grueling transatlantic flight following a Sunday night game, the players were exhausted, and the formal dinner was canceled. Yet, the Wagners went ahead with their plans, and the fact that so many teammates showed up, despite their fatigue, made the evening even more meaningful.
‘It meant a lot,’ Franz told The Athletic. ‘With the travel and everything, and how tired everyone was, it was really cool that they took the time to still come and join us and have a good German meal.’ Banchero echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the rarity of such opportunities: ‘You don’t get to do these things often. I’ve never been to Germany. These guys are born and raised here. So I think anytime you get to spend time with your teammates, you do it.’
The Wagners’ story is deeply intertwined with Berlin’s basketball legacy, particularly with Alba Berlin, the club that nurtured their talent. Nearly a year ago, The Athletic highlighted Alba’s unique youth development program, which not only focuses on basketball but also integrates social workers into Berlin’s school system. The Wagners are living proof of this system’s success. Moritz, once a soccer goalie, and Franz, his younger brother, were discovered through an Alba-sponsored youth game and went on to become the youngest players to ever play for Alba Berlin’s pro team before heading to the U.S. to play at Michigan.
On Tuesday, after the Magic’s practice, the brothers returned to Alba’s facility, not for a photo op, but to give back. Despite Moritz recovering from ACL surgery and Franz nursing a high ankle sprain, they spent over an hour running drills with Alba’s Under-12 boys’ and girls’ teams, engaging in push-up contests, and sharing their journey in an intimate Q&A session. Marius Huth, Alba’s youth program director, who coached both brothers, reflected on their impact: ‘It’s like a dream story. Those two guys are perfect role models. They started here, and they had the dream to become an NBA player. And now these young kids can see two people who already made it from here to the NBA.’
The Wagners’ visit to Alba was more personal than their dinner at Borchardt, which they chose for its blend of Berlin prestige and traditional German food. Most players opted for steak, a departure from the schnitzel served during the team’s ‘Berlin day’ at their facility. Notably, there was no wine or alcohol at the table, a reflection of the NBA’s younger rosters. Desmond Bane, who enjoyed a filet of beef and tried an oyster, summed it up perfectly: ‘Franz and Mo mean the world to me.’
Franz’s excitement was palpable. ‘It was great to see that not just one or two guys, but quite a few of them were really excited about the trip and about experiencing the culture a bit,’ he said. Spoken like a true host, his words capture the essence of the evening—a blend of pride, camaraderie, and the joy of sharing one’s roots.
But here’s the question for you: As the NBA continues to expand its global footprint, how important are these personal, cultural exchanges for the league’s future? Do moments like the Wagners’ homecoming strengthen the bond between players and their roots, or are they just fleeting highlights in a season? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s keep the conversation going!
