Franz Wagner Aims to Put Injury-Plagued Season Behind Him
franz-wagner-aims-to-put-injury-plagued-season-behind-him
Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner said a recurring left high ankle sprain made the 2025-26 campaign the most trying stretch of his career, costing him 48 games and forcing him to rehabilitate the same injury three times.
“If we’re not healthy as athletes, we can’t do our jobs,” Wagner told HoopsHype in an interview published Monday. “Not seeing the results in rehab when you’re working really hard was really frustrating.”
Ankle trouble derailed strong start
Wagner averaged 23.4 points, 6.2 rebounds and 3.8 assists over Orlando’s first 23 contests before getting hurt in game 24. The sprain sidelined him for 16 straight outings, and although he returned to play January 15 in Berlin and later in London, the brief comeback led to another nine-game absence. Additional setbacks limited him to six appearances in April, and he strained his right calf during Orlando’s first-round series against Detroit after four playoff games.
Playing at home in Germany
The 22-year-old acknowledged that suiting up in Berlin, shortly after helping Germany win EuroBasket gold, may have been unwise physically but said the opportunity was too significant to pass up. “It was that special of a moment for me,” he explained. “Maybe some people hate me for this, but it was really special for my family and me.”
Offseason focus: prevention over treatment
With an extended summer ahead, Wagner plans to address underlying issues that might contribute to repeated injuries. “The goal is that you’re not hurt at all, not just treating symptoms when they come up, but taking preventive measures,” he said.
New voice on the sideline
Wagner also welcomed Orlando’s coaching change, with San Antonio Spurs lead assistant Sean Sweeney set to replace Jamahl Mosley. “It’s very exciting for all of us,” he noted, adding that the Magic’s core has remained intact for five seasons and is eager for “a lot of change in the building next year.”
Source: Hoops Rumors
