Moritz Wagner is embarking on a new chapter with the Brooklyn Nets. At Media Day, the German was impressed by the organisation and revealed why he prefers to take the Subway.
After more than five years in Orlando, Moritz Wagner is making a fresh start with the Brooklyn Nets. The big man has signed a two-year deal in New York, though it’s clear that the team’s ambitions are different from those of the Magic for the time being. Brooklyn has a young squad; at 29, Wagner is already one of the veterans in the team.
Nevertheless, the Berlin native believes the Nets can rack up more than 20 wins in the coming season. “Everyone here is working really hard. I’ve never done so much with a team over the summer, and the young players in particular are leading the way,” Wagner noted. “For me, this is a good time in my career following my injury. I’m being challenged at a level I’ve never experienced before. I enjoy it and it makes me proud that I can help us start winning here again.”
To this end, the team has been bolstered by a number of experienced players. These include Wagner, former All-Star Julius Randle and Keon Ellis, who joined from Cleveland. “We’re trying to help each other out,” emphasised the German international. “I’ve got nothing left to prove here. I’m at peace with myself and don’t want to steal anyone’s place or take away their playing time. I want the team to improve and win matches.”
Why Wagner prefers to take the underground in New York
At the same time, the location of New York also played a part. “For me, Brooklyn is the place in the US that’s most similar to Berlin. I love the Underground, even though I know many people here see it differently. But I don’t want to start my day by paying $60 for an Uber to Manhattan either. And it’s certainly better than being stuck in a traffic jam.”
Wagner was drafted 25th overall by the Los Angeles Lakers in 2018, but only played for the Lakers for one year. This was followed by spells in Washington and Boston, before he joined the Orlando Magic in the spring of 2021 following his release by the Celtics. For the Florida franchise, Wagner played 277 matches, averaging 10.1 points and 4.2 rebounds. Last year, following his cruciate ligament tear in December 2024, the Berlin-born player took to the court at least 36 times, but averaged just under twelve minutes per match.