Moritz Wagner makes his grand return after more than a year away

The German center for the Magic played for the first time since his ACL tear in December 2024, just before the team's trip to Germany to face Memphis.

By@Nicolas Flamecourt

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Moritz Wagner makes his grand return after more than a year away

Jan 11, 2026; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic forward Moritz Wagner (21) brings the ball up court during the second half against the New Orleans Pelicans at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images

Photo Credit : © Mike Watters-Imagn Images

Moritz Wagner has finally returned to the NBA courts. The German center for the Orlando Magic made his comeback Sunday night against the New Orleans Pelicans, more than a year after his last appearance. A standing ovation greeted him when he rose from the bench at the end of the first quarter, marking the end of a long journey through the desert.

The 6’11 » player tore his left knee ACL on December 21, 2024. Operated on 18 days later, Wagner began a long rehabilitation period that is finally coming to an end. « I try to stay away from the emotional aspect as much as I can, » the 28-year-old center confided after playing 10 minutes. « Obviously, it means a lot to me. I’m relieved it’s behind me, and now we can act like nothing ever happened. »

A standing ovation for Mo Wagner 👏

He check into his first NBA game since Dec. 2024! pic.twitter.com/MOLTjlXTr5

— NBA (@NBA) January 11, 2026

A perfectly timed return before Berlin

The timing of this comeback is no coincidence. The Magic is flying to Germany where the team will face the Memphis Grizzlies Thursday night at Berlin’s Uber Arena, then Sunday in London. For the Wagner brothers, this trip represents a special moment. « We both remember growing up in Germany and remember how far away the NBA can seem, » explains Franz Wagner, still injured with an ankle issue since December 7.

« Playing an NBA game there is quite special for us, and we’re going to enjoy this opportunity, » adds Franz, who hopes to recover in time for Berlin. The two brothers, accompanied by their teammate Tristan da Silva, have all played for German national teams and know these arenas well.

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Despite more than a year of inactivity, Moritz Wagner didn’t seem rusty. He scored 8 points in 10 minutes, adding 2 rebounds and 2 assists in the Magic‘s 128-118 victory. « He brings a certain joy and energy to the game that we had been missing, » noted da Silva, who scored 16 points in this game.

Before his injury, Wagner was having the best season of his career with averages of 12.9 points, 4.9 rebounds and 1.4 assists in 19 minutes. His return comes at the perfect time to strengthen the Florida frontcourt alongside Paolo Banchero, Wendell Carter Jr, Goga Bitadze and Jonathan Isaac. The trip to Europe now takes on a special flavor for this reunited Magic.

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