Magic's Franz Wagner Opens Up About Rehab Process and More

ORLANDO — Following a disappointing ending to a promising first round playoff series last season due to a calf strain, Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner knew he had to let his body recover over the summer. 

So, he did just that. Now, he is prepared for the upcoming season.

During the Magic’s Media Day at the AdventHealth Training Center on Monday, Wagner detailed how his offseason went. It featured a couple of weeks of initial rehab, followed by time off and travel.

The 25-year-old spent most of the summer outside of the country, and he underscored that he put extensive work into his body because rehab is not bound to a singular session — it is a process. Even while traveling and seeing family and friends, he continued to work with the upcoming season in mind.

Wagner said he returned to the states in August. At that point, he could take the time he was putting into his craft and apply it to a shared space with his teammates. 

Wagner is one of the key members of the team, and like his co-stars Paolo Banchero, Desmond Bane and Jalen Suggs, there is an understanding that there is untapped potential that needs to be utilized.

"Just turn the next page and level up as a team," Wagner said. "As an organization."

Since Wagner entered the league in 2021, he has been a part of incremental growth with the Magic. However, the team has hit a wall after being eliminated in the first round of the playoffs in three consecutive seasons.

Wagner understands that for all teams except for one, an NBA season will end in a loss, but he wants to feel like the team got the most out of itself and the year as well, no matter the end result. Under new coach Sean Sweeney, there will be an adjustment, and it is not the only one Wagner is navigating.

A relative departure

In free agency, Wagner’s brother, Moritz, signed a two-year deal with the Brooklyn Nets, which ended his tenure with the Magic that lasted more than five seasons. From the moment Wagner came into the league, his brother was with him.

It was a time Wagner loved, and he cherished the years he got to spend alongside his sibling. He realizes that, in the NBA, five years is a long time to play with someone, especially his brother.

Now, Wagner feels that he is ready to take this step in his career without Moritz by his side. In another way, it has been beneficial for him, as he has spent more time with others.

The 2026-27 season will be big for Wagner, as he will embark on a mission to stay healthy and be the best version of himself for the Magic. To be successful, they will need that from him on a nightly basis.