Chris Fedor: #Cavs Isaac Okoro on this upcoming gauntlet: “We have to show people that we are one of the contenders in the East or in the league. These games coming up — Orlando, Miami and Boston — some of the top teams in the East right now, so beating them would be huge for us ..read more

After winning the FIBA World Cup, what can you say about Germany’s basketball future? Franz Wagner: I think success like that with the national team sparks a lot of excitement back home, and more kids will start playing basketball at home. I think that’s one of the coolest things about being part of the national team. We’re inspiring the next generation, and hopefully, in 10-15 years, we’ll have a lot more German players, not just in the NBA but in the best leagues around the world. I don’t think people from the United States realize how big a thing that was for us to win the World Cup. When ..read more

You guys have been playing without Wendell Carter Jr. for a while. What can he bring when he’s back from injury? Franz Wagner: Wendell is extremely versatile for a big man, which makes it super easy to play with him. He’s obviously a big lob threat and super quick out of pick-and-rolls to roll and put pressure on the defense that way. He can shoot it as well. I think the biggest thing is defensively. You can switch with him and play any type of coverage with him in the pick-and-roll. I think he’s our anchor for our defense when he’s out there. I can’t wait for him to be back. Source: Michael ..read more

Jadon Beede: The #Magic are listing Jonathan Isaac (right ankle sprain) as Questionable for Wednesday’s game at Cleveland. Markelle Fultz (left knee tendinitis) remains OUT for the 13th straight game ..read more

You guys have been playing without Wendell Carter Jr. for a while. What can he bring when he’s back from injury? Franz Wagner: Wendell is extremely versatile for a big man, which makes it super easy to play with him. He’s obviously a big lob threat and super quick out of pick-and-rolls to roll and put pressure on the defense that way. He can shoot it as well. I think the biggest thing is defensively. You can switch with him and play any type of coverage with him in the pick-and-roll. I think he’s our anchor for our defense when he’s out there. I can’t wait for him to be back ..read more

Are you surprised by how well the team is playing? Franz Wagner: I wouldn’t necessarily say I’m surprised because I think we’re building on what we did last year. We had a rough start last year to the season with a lot of injuries, and in the last 60 games, we played pretty good basketball. I think that’s one of the main things that’s changed this year. Our belief in our group and the whole organization. When we walk into the building, we believe that we can win that night. That’s been our mindset. I think that’s the biggest change from last year, the change in our mentality and approach every ..read more

Cole Anthony has provided a spark off the bench. Where is he in the Sixth Man of the Year conversation? Franz Wagner: I think Cole is doing a great job this year of leading our second group. It’s probably one of the best in the NBA right now. Cole is a huge part of that for us, and it’s really important for us. A lot of times, our second unit is getting us leads and playing ahead. Cole can get a bucket whenever he wants, but I think Cole’s been really impressive for me in terms of how he’s making other people better, making plays for others, and controlling the whole pace of the game. I think ..read more

You guys have been playing without Wendell Carter Jr. for a while. What can he bring when he’s back from injury? Franz Wagner: Wendell is extremely versatile for a big man, which makes it super easy to play with him. He’s obviously a big lob threat and super quick out of pick-and-rolls to roll and put pressure on the defense that way. He can shoot it as well. I think the biggest thing is defensively. You can switch with him and play any type of coverage with him in the pick-and-roll. I think he’s our anchor for our defense when he’s out there. I can’t wait for him to be back. Source: Michael ..read more

After winning the FIBA World Cup, what can you say about Germany’s basketball future? Franz Wagner: I think success like that with the national team sparks a lot of excitement back home, and more kids will start playing basketball at home. I think that’s one of the coolest things about being part of the national team. We’re inspiring the next generation, and hopefully, in 10-15 years, we’ll have a lot more German players, not just in the NBA but in the best leagues around the world. I don’t think people from the United States realize how big a thing that was for us to win the World Cup. When ..read more

Do you think coach Mosley should be somewhere in the conversation for Coach of the Year? Franz Wagner: Absolutely. I think Mosley has done an incredible job. I think the hardest thing to do is get everybody on the team to be on one page, commit to each other, and commit to the group. So far, I think he’s done a great job with that this year, and hopefully, we can keep winning for him. I think he’s definitely deserving as of right now. Source: Michael Scotto @ HoopsHype What’s the buzz on Twitter? Michael Scotto @MikeAScotto Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner discussed the team’s hot start a ..read more