Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner returned to the lineup on Monday after two extended absences, and getting him back up to speed is something the staff is well equipped to do.
For the first time in his career, Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner is coming off the bench.
Wagner was made available for the Magic ahead of Monday’s home game against the Milwaukee Bucks, marking a return to the court after a nagging left ankle injury has allowed him to play in just two of Orlando’s last 27 games before Monday.
According to Orlando Magic PR, Wagner — who is in his fifth NBA season — had started his previous 317 games for the team.
For the Magic, it is a step in the right direction in terms of getting their key players available in unison as they make a playoff push over the final two months of the regular season. It will be an adjustment period for Wagner to reenter the mix, but coach Jamahl Mosley and his staff are used to getting injured players reintegrated.
“I think you just have to focus on looking back at what we've done when guys have been integrated back into the offense,” Mosley said before Monday’s game. “And we do have a sample size with this. So, being able to go back and look at what we did some of the last year when he came back the first time, I think just being able to look at some of those pieces is very important to do.
But then, also understand how these guys are playing now with that rhythm that we try to keep it as best as possible.”
It is beneficial for Orlando’s staff to understand how to manage injuries and various timelines and workloads for its players, but it is also illustrative of how often the Magic's roster is struggling to remain healthy. Because of this, Mosley does not solidify how long it will take for the team to play cohesively.
“I wish I could give you a number on that one,” Mosley told reporters. “I don't think there's a real number — it's more of a fit and a feel. So, I wish I could tell you that there's a number to put on it, but I don't believe there is.
It's just going to come over time. And the more reps we can get on the court and the more reps we can get in the film room will be very important for this group.”
The Magic will have to be patient with Wagner and the rest of their core group. Nonetheless, having him back provides a boost of momentum.
“I mean, he's an All-Star to be honest, you know, when he's healthy,” said Magic guard Jalen Suggs. “So, having him back is huge.”
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