The world champion has been unable to play in the NBA for more than a year due to a torn cruciate ligament and missed the Euro title with Germany in 2025.
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Orlando won 128-118 against the New Orleans Pelicans at home after trailing for long stretches. Wagner scored eight points, two rebounds and two assists in his 10 minutes.
“Honestly, I tried to stay away from the emotional part as best I could,” Wagner told reporters. “Obviously, it means a lot to me. I’m kind of relieved now. I’m done with it. I’m excited to be done with it and now we can act like it never happened.”
It remains to be seen if Moritz’s brother Franz, four years younger, will be able to play for the Magic in Berlin against the Memphis Grizzlies. He has been out for approximately a month and 16 games due to a sprained left ankle.
“I think everything,” Franz said when asked what it would mean to play in his hometown of Berlin.
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“We both literally remember growing up in Germany and remembering how far away the NBA can feel. With social media, I think that’s changed a little bit. But I think it’s going to do wonders for German basketball. For the young people watching that game, hopefully it’ll give them a big boost and make it seem possible and real.”
The NBA seeks to launch a European league starting in 2027.