Growing up in Germany, Magic forward Franz Wagner closely followed and was inspired by fellow European NBA players.
Now the Orlando star realizes the full-circle moment as kids overseas watch him play basketball.
“It’s a huge responsibility and I want to make sure I do the best with the opportunity I get,” he said after practice Wednesday.
Wagner and the rest of the Magic (4-3) get the chance Thursday to help continue to grow the game internationally when Orlando faces the Atlanta Hawks in the NBA Mexico City Game 2023 (Bally Sports Florida, 9:30 p.m.) at Arena CDMX.
“Our team and organization love it,” Magic coach Jamahl Mosley said. “The fan support is absolutely incredible, especially down here in Mexico City. They’re knowledgeable, passionate, hardworking and dedicated fans.”
The matchup, which counts as an Orlando home game, marks the Magic’s fourth game in Mexico since 2012. A number of current players, however, are in the country for the first time.
Guard Cole Anthony was quick to note the change in altitude, calling it “no joke.” Surrounded by mountains, Mexico City sits 7,350 feet above sea level.
Although the team recently played the Jazz in Salt Lake City (which has an altitude of 4,265 feet), the difference is noticeable for Orlando.
“It helped a little bit but this is definitely … the first couple of steps up and down you definitely felt it,” Wagner said. “Atlanta is going to have the same problem also, so it should be fun.”
The Hawks (4-3) feature All-Star guards Trae Young and Dejounte Murray in their backcourt as well as a strong frontcourt with Clint Capela and Onyeka Okongwu.
“They have elite pick-and-roll ballhandlers,” Mosley said. “They have a great isolation player in Trae, who’s making great decisions for his teammates. They have a rim presence in Capela and Okongwu.
“Then they have shooting. They mix it up very well and do a great job sharing the basketball.”
Magic aim to adjust better in 3rd quarter, stick to principles going forward
The Magic are hoping to have back a pair of rotation players in guard Markelle Fultz (left knee tendinitis) and big man Jonathan Isaac (sore left hamstring).
Fultz, who’s missed three straight games, is listed as questionable for Thursday’s game while Isaac is probable. Guard Gary Harris (right groin strain) already has been ruled out for the third game in a row.
“I feel good,” Fultz said. “I got a chance to go through a full practice and everything’s feeling really good. So hopefully … do a proper treatment [Wednesday] night and be ready to go.”
Email Jason Beede at jbeede@orlandosentinel.com or follow him on X, also known as Twitter, at @therealBeede.
![Magic rookie Anthony Black made his fourth start Tuesday night against the Nets. His teammates have noticed his confidence on the court. "I do like [that] he's got a little feistiness to him," Orlando center Moe Wagner said. "He talks a little smack sometimes which I like."](https://www.orlandosentinel.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Magic-Nets-Basketball.jpg?w=525 "Magic rookie Anthony Black made his fourth start Tuesday night against the Nets. His teammates have noticed his confidence on the court. \"I do like [that] he's got a little feistiness to him,\" Orlando center Moe Wagner said. \"He talks a little smack sometimes which I like.\"")
