:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/66232000/1197382887.jpg.0.jpg)
On Friday, Washington Wizards posts Rui Hachimura and Moritz Wagner spoke to the media regarding their selections to the 2020 NBA Rising Stars Challenge. Since both are not Americans, Hachimura and Wagner will play for Team World.
Hachimura was very happy to make the game and also looks forward to seeing Japanese fans watch the Rising Stars Challenge. He is now listed as questionable for tonight’s game against the Brooklyn Nets.
"I remember when I was kid in junior high...I didn’t get go to school. I was home and watched most of the game. It’s that big."
— Washington Wizards (@WashWizards) January 31, 2020
Rui Hachimura (@rui_8mura) on being named to the #NBARisingStars Challenge and how close he is to returning from injury. pic.twitter.com/skOCYFPAKG
Wagner expressed his gratitude for getting named to the game as well. He also noted that it’s not a big deal that the NBA is drafting more European players than ever before. After all, it wasn’t long ago when European players were viewed as “soft.” Today, Giannis Antetokounmpo, the reigning NBA MVP and Rudy Gobert, the Defensive Player of the Year are Europeans.
"It's awesome...I didn't expect this."
— Washington Wizards (@WashWizards) January 31, 2020
Moe Wagner on being selected to the #NBARisingStars World Team, the latest on his injury rehab, and remembering Kobe Bryant.#RepTheDistrict | @moritz_weasley pic.twitter.com/FWRUs5h1uh