When former Boston Celtics big man Daniel Theis won the 2023 FIBA World Cup with the German National Team, Orlando Magic small forward Franz Wagner was right there with him in Germany’s frontcourt. There was no closer vantage point to be had in the historic victory for the German national basketball program in its history, and Theis was no small part of that achievement.
Averaging 11 points, and 5 rebounds per game for Germany while shooting 59% from the floor overall in World Cup play this summer, the lack of floor time for the Salzgitter native with a developing Indiana Pacers roster after such a showing on the international stage confounded Theis, who let it be known to MassLive following a DNP-CD when the Pacers played Boston early in the season that he wanted to get on the floor and to have a role wherever he might end up.
Now with Theis potentially on the radar of the Los Angeles Clippers to the chagrin of Celtics fans who have been hoping for a buyout, Wagner had some words about his teammate from this summer.
Los Angeles Clippers showing interest in former Celtics center after Mason Plumlee injury https://t.co/fF4VMFZVON pic.twitter.com/0R9Ax4FoyD
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) November 9, 2023
Speaking to the Celtics Wire at the NBA’s 2023 Mexico City Games between Wagner’s Magic and the Atlanta Hawks, the German forward said that while he “can’t speak for the Pacers organization … Danny was a great player” for the German National Team.
“We definitely wouldn’t have won the World Cup without him,” added Wagner. “He played amazing all summer, and I wish him nothing but the best — I would love to see him play.”
Now, with the Clippers sniffing around and the Celtics likely interested in a potential buyout scenario should no trade suitors materialize, it seems likely Theis will be back on an NBA court soon with interest in his services trending up as roster realities elsewhere in the league force the issue.
Celtics ON FIRE + EXCLUSIVE Interview with Lakers Legend Derek Fisher + … https://t.co/dARr8qipAB via @YouTube
— Cameron Tabatabaie (@CTabatabaie) November 8, 2023
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