2026 — no matter how often I say the number 2026 out loud to myself, I find it hard to believe that we’ve really arrived in 2026. When I used to think about the future as a teenager, I would’ve believed that cars would be flying by now, or that there would finally be basketball shoes that let someone like me, at 1.69 meters, dunk — yes, I still have that dream, and I’m wondering: where are those basketball shoes already?
I always look forward to New Year’s Eve, because every time I believe I’ll end the year with some groundbreaking realization and then start the new year wiser with that newly gained wisdom. Every now and then that was actually true. But this New Year’s Eve, all I can say is: my groundbreaking realization was how much I should appreciate every extra minute of sleep.
Because I’ve already had way too little of that with three days into the new year. Only this time it’s not because of the jet lag from my U.S. travels or because of the NBA games I’m watching — it’s because of my cat, who takes the fireworks and all the firecracker chaos so emotionally that at night, between throwing up from her nervous stomach and “pet me — I’m scared” moments, she makes it impossible for me to find sleep.
But seriously: how important is sleep! That’s also one of the most common questions I get from you — how I physically manage all the traveling with constantly changing time zones (followed, of course, by: Can you bring me an autograph? Spoiler — no, we’re not allowed to ask players for autographs) — and honestly, I often don’t even know myself how I manage all of this on so little sleep.
As overwhelming as 2025 was, I also had to sacrifice a lot, and sleep was definitely at the very top of that list — which sounds easier than it is in real life. So goal number one this year: find ways to get more sleep. And I already screwed up the first three nights of 2026, lol.
But at the same time, I don’t want to forget to thank you from the bottom of my heart for all your support. 2025 had so many surprises in store: I was invited for the first time to join the NBA journalists’ voting committee — first to vote for the All-Star Starting Five, then for the regular season awards.
Something that still leaves me speechless, with my eyes wide open. My third year covering the NBA Finals, with the second German, Isaiah Hartenstein, becoming an NBA Champion after Dirk Nowitzki. The second Summer League, packed to the brim with so much talent, thanks to an outstanding rookie class. And then the completely unexpected request from Sky Sport just about two months ago. And it was all topped off with the second request, perfectly timed for St. Nicholas Day, asking if I want to vote again for All-Star 2026. This appreciation from the NBA means everything to me.
I have to submit my All-Star nominees by 01/12. Let’s see what happens until then. Hopefully no other player gets injured — this season is honestly a horror with how many injuries we’ve had. So again: a thooooousand thanks for your support and your incredibly loving feedback on my work. Your interest in what I do makes all of this possible.
Let’s be excited for everything that’s coming in 2026. And it’s starting right away with a bang! The first regular-season NBA game ever to be played in Berlin on January 13: Orlando Magic vs. Memphis Grizzlies. And I get to be there for Sky Sport. I can tell you, I’m really excited. We have so many planned interviews, social content, and live hits scheduled that I’m curious how we’re going to pull it all off that day. Of course, I’ll try to keep you updated through Instagram on what’s happening on site.
Aurelia Rieke
And of course there will be another column with thoughts and impressions. I also owe you a few words about my last assignment in NYC. I still haven’t gotten around to it.
Even though it’s been a few days now, I’d like to share a few thoughts, because it included thegame where Franz got injured — against the Knicks at Madison Square Garden — and since then, sadly, we haven’t seen him back on the floor.
I can tell you, I haven’t been in shock like that in a long time. I had a good view of the situation, and that moment when this normally so loud arena suddenly drops into dead silence — you always imagine the worst. I was on site for Sky Sport, and we had a live hit planned at halftime. So throughout the second quarter, I tried to find out something I could pass on to the audience in Germany.
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During my research, I found out that it was exactly one year to the day since Franz last injured his abdominal muscle — and that injury had cost him his All-Star nomination. I thought, not again — he doesn’t deserve that. By then, Orlando had released the information that it was apparently his lower leg and seemingly not his knee, as it first looked on the court — which honestly made me breathe a little easier, because that gave me the first hope that maybe it wouldn’t be that bad after all.
In the studio in Munich were Frank Buschmann and Tristan’s brother, Oscar Da Silva — Oscar, who even made his way to the studio directly after his own game in order to commentate his brother’s game. Being able to be part of that coverage was very special for me.
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Later after the game, I was still able to see Franz with his whole family, who had traveled to the U.S. specifically for the Christmas season. I thought to myself: as awful as the whole thing is, how beautiful that at least your parents are there with you to build you back up. This closeness of the Wagner family is simply special. Or, to put it in the words of Dennis Schröder:
“I hope that when my kids are grown up, I’ll have as good a relationship with them as Moritz and Franz have with theirs.”
Now all that’s left is to hope that Franz and Moritz will both be healthy again in time, so that they can both suit up for Orlando in Berlin, at their home.
So all the best to both of them.
Until then, your Flight Girl
