Magic's Moritz Wagner to Make Season Debut After ACL Recovery - ESPN
The Orlando Magic announced on Saturday that forward/center Moritz Wagner will be available to make his season debut on Sunday against the New Orleans Pelicans. Wagner, a key player for the team, suffered an ACL tear in December, which ended his promising season. Before the injury, he was averaging a career-high 12.9 points per game and shooting an impressive 56.2% from the field, making him a strong candidate for Sixth Man of the Year.
The Magic's decision to sign Wagner to a one-year, $5 million contract this summer was a strategic move to retain his services. Wagner's journey in the NBA began with the Los Angeles Lakers, who drafted him 25th overall in the 2018 NBA draft. However, he faced challenges, being waived during the 2020-21 season after three stops. The Magic's acquisition of Wagner was a significant step in their rebuilding process, and his return to the court is a testament to his resilience and the team's commitment to his development.