Moritz Wagner

Wagner is a German center who has carved out an NBA career as a scoring big with three-point range, footwork, and energy. Drafted in the first round in 2018 after a decorated college career at Michigan, he has played for multiple franchises and found a long-term role with the Orlando Magic, where he teams with his younger brother Franz Wagner.

Born Victor Moritz Wagner on April 26, 1997, in Berlin, Germany, he started his basketball career in the youth ranks of Alba Berlin. In 2014-15, he appeared in four German league games and two EuroLeague games for Alba. He was recruited by University of Michigan head coach John Beilein and committed in April 2015, turning down a professional offer in Germany.

At Michigan, Wagner started all 38 games as a sophomore, averaging 12.1 points and 4.2 rebounds. In March 2017, he scored a career-high 26 points against Louisville in the NCAA tournament. He declared for the 2017 draft but withdrew and returned for his junior season. In 2017-18, he averaged 14.8 points and 7.1 rebounds, was named second-team All-Big Ten, and earned Big Ten Tournament MVP as Michigan won back-to-back conference tournament titles. He also earned West Region All-Tournament Team and Final Four All-Tournament Team honors. He declared for the 2018 draft.

The Los Angeles Lakers selected Wagner 25th overall in 2018. He spent one season in Los Angeles before being traded to Washington in 2019. He later played for the Boston Celtics and Orlando Magic, where he established himself as a reliable bench scorer and energy big. He has also represented the German national team.

Wagner is a stretch center with legitimate three-point range, a quick release, and crafty post moves. He scores on pick-and-pops, face-up drives, and offensive rebounds. His footwork and touch around the rim are advanced for a big man, and his energy and competitiveness make him a fan favorite. Defensively, he is limited by lateral mobility but provides effort and positioning. He functions best as a bench scorer who spaces the floor and brings intensity.