Everybody has an idol. Even those athletes who are already millionaires and living their dream grew up idolizing someone else. Someone who made them believe that anything was possible.
For German kids, that someone is Dirk Nowitzki, one of the greatest foreign NBA players of all time, the greatest player in Dallas Mavericks history, and, according to Franz Warner, the German Michael Jordan:
“Dirk is like Michael Jordan for German kids. He made it seem possible to make it to the NBA. Not just make it, but also be a hall of fame type player. So, to see him win the championship, I still remember where I was at the time and stuff like that. It was a huge deal to everybody, and I think he made basketball in Germany a lot more important and relevant,” Wagner said in an interview with Fanatics View.
It’s easy to see where Wagner is coming from here. Not only Dirk paved the way for foreign players that came after him but he completely changed the way the power forward position was played. He was that influential.
Dirk’s combination of charisma, work ethic, and loyalty made him a legend not only overseas but also in the U.S. He’s one of the most beloved and respected players in the history of the Association.
Now, the Wagner brothers will look to keep the torch lit and take German basketball to new heights.
While his brother Mo has struggled to adapt and establish himself as a consistent player in the league, Franz entered the NBA as a top-10 pick.
Like dirk, Wagner’s cover letter is his sharpshooting ability. And while there are some doubts regarding his ability to dominate in the NBA the same way he did in college, he’s clearly motivated to keep Dirk’s legacy alive.
