Moritz Wagner discusses move to Brooklyn Nets and NBA lottery reforms

Moritz Wagner is beginning a new chapter in his NBA career following a move from the Orlando Magic to the Brooklyn Nets. In his podcast, “Kannst du so nicht sagen,” Wagner discussed the transition and the impact of recent NBA rule changes.

Wagner noted that a reform to the NBA lottery system, designed to reduce tanking, has increased the urgency for teams to compete. Under the new “3-2-1 system,” teams that do not reach the Play-In Tournament but are not among the league's three worst teams have higher odds for top draft picks. Wagner expressed that while this does not necessarily increase pressure, it encourages teams to prioritize winning.

Regarding his integration into the Nets, Wagner shared that some players and coaches initially held biased views of him due to his emotional playing style. He revealed that a strength coach admitted to previously thinking he was an “asshole” before getting to know him personally. Wagner also reflected on the personal shift of no longer living and playing alongside his brother, Franz Wagner, in Orlando.