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Nets' New Big Man Wagner Feeling Comfortable Within Offense
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- Nets' New Big Man Wagner Feeling Comfortable Within Offense
(IMAGN IMAGES/Reuters Connect)
The Brooklyn Nets got off to a very strong start in the NBA Preseason on Tuesday, dominating the Charlotte Hornets 124-90.
The offense was clicking, with Brooklyn shooting 55% from the field and 54% from distance, attacking Charlotte with the long ball.
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Following the win, head coach Jordi Fernández expressed his pleasure with how his team performed.
"When you win every quarter, its a good sign," Fernández said. "We have different groups...they did whatever it took to get wins every quarter. That mindset is important. It was a closer first half but happy with the intentions, the effort and the good things quarter by quarter."
The Nets were able to get 18 different players in the game, giving the front office an early look at what options the have to fill out the remainder of the 15-man roster.
Veteran center Moritz Wagner is one player who shined off the bench, scoring five points and adding four rebounds, five assists, and a steal in 18 minutes.
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Wagner's lone basket was a corner 3-pointer, while he was able to make strong reads to find open teammates throughout the night.
Heading into his first season with the Nets, Wagner is projected to backup first-year starter Day'Ron Sharpe , joining the team after spending more than five seasons with the Orlando Magic.
Wagner is a career 32.3%-shooter from beyond the arc, giving the Nets' center group a semblance of spacing that has not been there for some time.
Longtime starting big man Nic Claxton was a non-threat from distance, while Sharpe has continued to work on adding the long ball to his game.
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Availability has been a concern for Wagner as of late, playing in just 66 games for the Magic over the past two seasons.
But, when available, he has produced.
From 2022-2025, Wagner averaged double-digits off the bench, serving as Orlando's spark plug.
Wagner plays with a high level of energy, and at times served as the Magic's enforcer, often talking smack and trying to get under his opponents skin.
The biggest question mark surrounding the Wagner-Sharpe pairing is rim protection, as the former Michigan standout has never averaged a block per game.
Sharpe is a more offensive-focused player as well, leaving rim protection as something to be desired.
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But, the significant size in the frontcourt next to Sharpe and Wagner should help, as Julius Randle and Michael Porter Jr. can hold their own and rebound at a solid rate.
Having a high-energy player like Wagner on the bench will be extremely beneficial for Sharpe, as he learns to play and everyday-starter role.
