What happened to Moe Wagner? Closer look at Orlando Magic forward's major setback after injury
The Orlando Magic have shared terrible news regarding Moe Wagner, arguably their best player in the absence of their two stars, Paolo Banchero and Moritz's brother, Franz. The German forward suffered a season-ending injury that will keep him sidelined until the 2025-26 season and put the Magic in a very complex position.
NBA insider Shams Charania reported that Wagner suffered a torn ACL in his left knee that cut his season short. Wagner was averaging 12.9 points, 4.9 rebounds and 1.4 assists while shooting 56.2% from the field and 71.8% from the free-throw line.
Orlando started the season with high expectations after they advanced to the 2024 NBA playoffs as the fifth seed in the Eastern Conference, but injuries have piled up, preventing them from continuing their good moment. Moe Wagner's absence will be painful, especially considering that the players he tried to fill in for have been out for a while.
Moe Wagner, brother Franz entered this season keen to help Magic reach another level of performance
Moe Wagner and his brother Franz entered the 2024-25 NBA season with renewed expectations after a terrific performance in the 2024 Summer Olympic Games with Team Germany. They wanted to bring some of that to the Magic and improve their fifth seed from last season.
Speaking with Sportskeeda's insider Mark Medina, Magic coach Jamahl Mosley explained that the dynamic the Wagner brothers bring to the team is important for their success.
“I love it. I think there’s a reason why our group is as close as it is,” Mosley said. “It’s not just because of the camaraderie that we have from being together, but because they bring that dynamic to the group.”
The coach also praised Moe Wagner's traits, highlighting how he's evolved since joining the team and the impact he makes on the court.
“He has the basketball IQ. He has the tenacity. He plays with force,” Mosley said. “He plays with energy. From the first year of us being here, he’s shown he wants to grow. He wants to get better. He wants to figure out ways to be able to stay on the court both offensively and defensively.”
The Orlando Magic are one of the most intriguing teams not only in the Eastern Conference but the entire NBA. They will have to wait to be at full strength, more so now that Moe Wagner won't play a single more minute this season.