The new NBA season starts on the night of Tuesday to Wednesday. The four German world champions Dennis Schröder, Daniel Theis and Franz and Moritz Wagner were there. The sports show asks those who need to know. NBA overtime host Lovis Binder on Schröder’s chances, LeBron’s performance and how a prodigy will shake up the league.
sportschau.de: Germany is basketball world champion. How was that received in the NBA?
Lovis Binder: In the USA they have noticed above all that they are no longer the best, that their dominance in international tournaments is over. The Germans’ successful team basketball has brought movement into the NBA world. Many US superstars have announced that they want to take part in next year’s Olympics. Germany, Serbia, Greece, Canada – the USA now has strong competition.
Schröder, Theis and the Wagner brothers have it Standing of the four Germans in the NBA changed as a result?
Binder: Maybe for Daniel Theis. Theis hasn’t had a consistent role on an NBA team for two years. It could well be that he won’t play a role with his current team, the Indiana Pacers, next season. The Pacers rely on young players and want to develop them further. So that has little to do with his performance. His very good World Cup could help him as soon as a possible change is discussed. It’s quite possible that other well-known teams will want Theis.
Dennis Schröder, Moritz Wagner and Daniel Theis watch the game against Japan.
Dennis Schröder, the best player in the World Cup, is now playing for a new club, the Toronto Raptors. What can he do?
Binder: Schröder has already improved his standing with the Lakers last season. Above all through his defense and his fighting spirit. This style of play suits the Raptors. Offensively, his role will be different, one that Schröder prefers. He will have the ball in his hands more than development players can direct the offense. I’m not sure what the Raptors’ plan is for the future, though. I wouldn’t be surprised if they look to reboot later this season. Then they would give up their best players and try to get young talent in return. If that happens, Schröder will either have a completely different team around him or perhaps play somewhere else himself.
After two strong first NBA years with the Orlando Magic – will Franz Wagner become the next top German star?
Binder: In my opinion he already is. Actually, two seasons are not enough to judge that. However, what Wagner has shown so far is very impressive. He has everything it takes to have a very successful NBA career. The Magic are counting on him to be a pillar of the team and will most likely offer him a contract extension next year – his new deal could see him make more than $200 million.
THE poster boy of the NBA is still LeBron James. 38 years old now, going into his 21st NBA season! Are there any signs that the man is slowing down at some point?
Binder: LeBron is definitely still the most famous player in the league. And he is also one of the ten best players. And that’s really impressive, he’s the oldest player in the league this season. The fact that he can still play basketball so successfully at this age is incredible. He has changed the way he plays in order to continue to be efficient. For example, he shoots more three-pointers and goes to the basket less, so he can save energy.
The legitimate crown prince is now at the start: Victor Wembanyama. The Frenchman, 19 years old, prodigy, is about to make his NBA debut with the San Antonio Spurs. Is the “Wemba mania” justified?
Binder: Yes. I’m usually always careful with predictions, but what the guy has shown against NBA players in his career so far and now in the preseason has never been seen before. So far there have been no players who are 2.24m tall and can move like a builder. If Wembanyama stays away from any major injuries, there’s a good chance he can dominate the NBA with a whole new way of playing.
Victor Wembanyama: 19-year-old “prodigy” from France makes his NBA debut.
While the World Cup was going on, Serbia’s NBA superstar Nikola Jokic preferred to chill out at the horse races. Does that mean he now has enough power to lead his Denver Nuggets to the title again and crown himself MVP again?
Binder: Jokic played 89 games in nine months and led his team to the title as an absolute star. I can understand why he canceled Serbia (probably with a heavy heart) for the World Cup. For me he is the favorite for the MVP title. There are at least six teams that can become champions this season. Denver is a little weaker in terms of personnel than last season, but is still one of the favorites.
Who are the Nuggets’ biggest competitors in the fight for the championship?
Binder: The Milwaukee Bucks and Boston Celtics have added two absolute top players and are among the favorites. The Phoenix Suns have gone all in and are a very strong team with three stars. In my opinion, the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors are also included.
And after the season is before the Olympics… will we actually see the best of the best in Paris 2024?
Binder: The NBA season is very long and intense. Many top stars are older and will probably play until May or June. Players like LeBron James, Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant have agreed, but we have to wait and see whether they will be fit and able to play at all next year. I am still convinced that there will be more stars – for many people the Olympics are more important than, for example, the World Cup.
2023-10-23 16:18:41
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