Magic eye opening-night return for Suggs; Wagner rehab slower, newcomers settle in
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ORLANDO, Fla. — Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs is on track to make his first appearance since tearing cartilage in his left knee last January when the club tips off the 2025-26 regular season, president of basketball operations Jeff Weltman said Monday.
Speaking at media day, Weltman explained that training camp and the preseason will serve as a “ramp-up” period for Suggs, who hopes to log minutes in at least one of Orlando’s four exhibition games. Head coach Jamahl Mosley added Tuesday that the 24-year-old participated in all non-contact drills during the team’s opening practice.
Wagner’s recovery timeline longer
Center Moritz Wagner, working back from a left ACL tear, is progressing but remains behind Suggs, according to Weltman. “He’s further away,” the executive said, noting that the 28-year-old has cleared the rehab phase and is focused on regaining game fitness. Mosley said Wagner completed many of the same drills as Suggs but is “two steps back” in overall progress.
Quick hits from media day
- Desmond Bane, acquired after five seasons in Memphis, said joining Orlando has been “easy” because of the welcoming locker room.
- Jonathan Isaac, limited to 11 games between 2020 and 2023 before appearing in 58 contests in 2023-24 and 71 last season, set a personal goal of playing all 82 games in 2025-26 after trimming weight over the summer.
- Tyus Jones cited the opportunity to contend for a championship as a key reason for signing with the Magic in free agency.
- Paolo Banchero, who inked a five-year maximum rookie-scale extension in July, praised the front office for adding “two great, experienced players” in Bane and Jones and drafting rookies Jase Richardson and Noah Penda.
The Magic open preseason play next week and begin the regular season later this month.
Source: Hoops Rumors
