One minute you’re on the floor playing with full force. The next moment you’re on the floor writhing in pain. It’s never easy to walk out with the odd agony and uncertainty over one’s return. Currently, the Orlando Magic‘s center Moe Wagner is going through a myriad of emotions. Let’s just begin by saying that the 27-year-old’s 2024-25 NBA season is officially over.

Moritz (Moe) Wagner faced a devastating setback during Saturday’s clash against Miami. With just 2:33 left in the first quarter, the center suffered a left knee injury that silenced the arena. An MRI later conducted on Sunday delivered the grim news—a torn anterior cruciate ligament. Wagner will undergo surgery, bringing an abrupt end to his 2024-25 season.

Head coach, Jamahl Mosley seems shaken with the outcome of the medical reports. Speaking to the media he shared how gut-wrenching it is for him as he’s letting the truth settle in. “We’re all human beings. And it broke me a little bit. You know I teared up as I watched Moe go down because you watch the work that he’s put in,” Mosley shared. He added: “You watch the tear he was on. He was in running in my mind for Sixth Man of The Year. But the energy he brings to this team, the toughness he brings to this team, it shook me a little bit.”

Moe Wagner could have enhanced his 30-game stats of 12.9 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.4 assists by the end of the 82-game season. But, sadly there ain’t any hope left for that. Coach Mosley further shared: “So that’s the reality of it. But to be able to control the emotions, you kind of got to let them go in those moments because we’re in the human being business. We’re in the relationship business.” 

It would be extremely important for Orlando Magic to keep their morale high amidst this sudden dilemma. Moreover, they’ve got to keep the energy alive as a way of motivating the now-disheartened Moe. Of course, the 27-year-old had an ambitious approach to 2024-25, but now that his dreams have shattered before his eyes, all he needs is support from his teammates who’ve been his pillar in this tough time.

Emotional Moe Wagner is overwhelmed by his teammate’s support

Speaking with the media, Moe Wagner poured his heart out while talking about his magical Magic teammates. ‘Homies’ is the perfect word to use here. In a situation when you know that the ACL tear followed by surgery will end the season, you’ve got to find ways to stay positive. “How do your teammates help you with that?” The reporter asked Wagner. 

Moe responded: “I’m overwhelmed with everyone, the love, the appreciation you receive, and the support is incredible. I’m also convinced that this is not like this everywhere. That’s why it’s important for me to be here, too, to a certain extent, as much as I can, just because this group is amazing. You can just feel how much love there is and how much it means to everyone.”

Franz Wagner would’ve willingly dropped everything to spend the rest of the game with Moe if he could, the reporter pointed out. This just shows how close the team is and that every player matters, as it should be. Once again, speaking about his teammates, Moe Wagner added: “Makes me emotional thinking about it.” A lot of players told the media after Saturday’s game that they played and won the game 121-114 against the Miami Heat solely for their 27-year-old teammate.

Simply put, the situation for Moe Wagner isn’t good. It would be unfair to sugar-coat here because the German hooper is surely out of the league for the remainder of the ongoing season. This means after the surgery, recovery, and more, the center will make his highly anticipated comeback sometime next season. Until then, we’ve got to wait with prayers and good wishes for Moe.