Moritz Wagner Returns After Long Layoff, Travels With Magic to Germany
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ORLANDO, Fla. — Orlando Magic center Moritz Wagner logged his first NBA minutes in more than a year Sunday night, then boarded a flight to Europe with the team for two games against the Memphis Grizzlies.
The 6-foot-11 big man entered late in the first quarter of the Magic’s 128-118 home win over the New Orleans Pelicans, drawing a loud ovation from the Amway Center crowd. Wagner, 27, played 10 minutes in his first appearance since tearing the ACL in his left knee on Dec. 21, 2024. Surgery followed 18 days after the injury.
“I honestly try to stay away from the emotional part,” Wagner said. “I’m relieved to get it over with and now we can just act like it never happened.”
By Sunday night the club was en route to Berlin, where it will face Memphis on Thursday at Uber Arena. A second meeting with the Grizzlies is set for Sunday at O2 Arena in London.
Forward Franz Wagner, Moritz’s younger brother, has missed 16 games with a high ankle sprain suffered Dec. 7. The 6-10 wing was averaging 22.7 points and 6.1 rebounds before the injury and hopes to return in his home country. “Regardless of whether I play or not, it’s going to be a full-circle moment,” he said.
The Magic are 8-8 during Franz Wagner’s absence. Rookie forward Tristan da Silva, who scored 16 points against New Orleans, said Moritz’s presence lifted the group. “He brings a certain joy and energy to the game that’s been missed,” da Silva noted.
Both Wagner brothers and da Silva grew up playing in German gyms, including the Berlin arena that will host Thursday’s contest. “It’s going to give a big boost to young people watching that game,” Franz Wagner said.
Source: ESPN
