Dennis Schröder was one of the best players at the European Basketball Championship, young star Franz Wagner drew attention to himself and role players like Andreas Obst and Maodo Lo were already challenged for the North American professional league NBA.
Germany triggered a little hype at the home European Championship with games in Cologne and Berlin and completed it with bronze after beating Poland 82:69 on Sunday. What’s next for the professionals in everyday life?
On the way to becoming an NBA star
The 21-year-old Wagner experienced a strong first season in the NBA. For the Orlando Magic, the Berliner scored an average of 15 points with good odds, he was one of the five best newcomers in the entire league. Wagner was better in all statistics than superstar Dirk Nowitzki in his first season. “I was pleasantly surprised at how ripped off he is, how athletic he can keep up, how talented he is. He can do a little bit of everything with the ball,” said Nowitzki. Professionals often show a significant increase in performance in their second year.
Key players change clubs
Three of the five German regulars at the European Championship are changing clubs for the new season. Co-captain Johannes Voigtmann leaves the CSKA Moscow and Russia chapter behind and starts at Olimpia Milan. “I’m happy to be at such a renowned club and in a team with big goals,” said Voigtmann. For Daniel Theis it is from the NBA finalists Boston Celtics to league rivals Indiana Pacers. Captain Dennis Schröder, who was without a club for a long time in the summer, is moving back to the Los Angeles Lakers, alongside LeBron James. “It’s an honor to play for the @Lakers. Can’t wait to start!” Schroeder wrote on Instagram. The last year hasn’t felt right. He felt misunderstood and nobody really knew the story. However, he shouldn’t expect a major role like at the EM with the Californians alongside James, Anthony Davis and Russell Westbrook.
Continuous action in the Bundesliga and Euroleague
Almost no break after the European Championship, then a Bundesliga season with 34 and a Euroleague season with 34 games before the playoffs follow: These XXL sizes at NBA level have long been habitual for Germany’s basketball players. For three-point specialists Obst and Nick Weiler-Babb (both FC Bayern), as well as point guards Lo and Johannes Thiemann (both Alba Berlin), things quickly get going again after the European Championship. Nationally, challengers Bayern and champions Berlin are likely to duel again for the title. In the Euroleague, the first German entry into the Final Four is targeted.
What are the missing ones doing?
The paused Maximilian Kleber (Dallas Mavericks) and the injured Moritz Wagner (Orlando Magic) stayed at their NBA clubs and are considered role players there. Both could be candidates again for the 2023 World Cup in Asia. This also applies to Isaiah Hartenstein, who joined the New York Knicks this summer. Isaac Bonga, who is hoping for more game shares from his move from the Toronto Raptors to FC Bayern, will initially no longer appear in the NBA.
