Moritz Wagner would like to present himself to the teams at the NBA Draft Combine in order to fulfill his dream of the NBA. Meanwhile, the German Big Man took the time for a short interview.
There he talked about the Combine, reviews, Dirk Nowitzki and with which NBA player, he still has a score to settle.
Question: Mr Wagner, this is your second time at the NBA Draft Combine. What do you want to improve in order to master the transition to the NBA?
Wagner: Of course I want to work on my litter, that is my great strength and makes me special in this draft. But there is also a lot to do defensively. I want to be able to defend Guards. A little flat of everything.
Question: Daniel Theis and Maxi Kleber have just finished their rookie seasons. What advice could you get from your countrymen?
Wagner: First of all, I am very proud that the number of German players in the NBA continues to grow. I get tips from time to time, even if I haven’t made intensive contact yet. But they told me that I had to improve every day and not look too far into the future.
Question: Another German has been playing in the NBA for 20 years now and of course that’s Dirk Nowitzki. What do you think he has done for basketball in Germany?
Wagner: Dirk is of course one of the reasons why children in Germany touched a basketball for the first time, it was the same for me. He was a huge motivation for me because he showed me and all of us that it is possible. He’s a very modest guy, and we can all take a leaf out of that. I’m proud to know him, to imitate him, because we all know he’s a great player.
Question: What are you looking forward to if you make it into the NBA?
Wagner: Of course I’m happy to play Dirk, that would be pretty cool. I’m also looking forward to Danny Green, who blocked me in the Global Game in Berlin, so of course I want to return the favor. I also look forward to my friends from college like Caris LeVert or D.J. Wilson.
Question: First you will do some workouts for different teams. Explain how important these units are to you.
Wagner: Of course they are incredibly important to me. It is a unique opportunity to present my skillset. I can show who I really am and that I can deliver at the decisive moment. I don’t put pressure on myself, I just try to have fun. That’s how I play basketball and that’s how I’m going to do the workouts.
Question: What do you feel when you enter the hall for such a workout and all scouts, GMs and other basketball connoisseurs look at you?
Wagner: Actually not much. I’ll stay in the tunnel at these moments. Basketball is a game to enjoy, otherwise it is not worth it at all. I tell myself that every day and the rest will come on its own.
Question: Nevertheless, numerous experts closely examine all strengths and weaknesses of the prospects. Is there any criticism you can no longer hear about her?
Wagner: I don’t listen to these expert opinions at all, I just take to heart what the people who work with me say. Last year I was constantly criticized for my rebound work, which really annoyed me. I think, however, that I have now been able to prove the opposite. But I’m also keen to show that I can be a better defender than in the past.