Magic Postseason Profile: Moe Wagner's Surprise Ascension

In his fifth NBA season, Orlando Magic center Moe Wagner posted career-highs in points (10.5), minutes (19.5) and free-throw percentage (84.1).

Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

ORLANDO - Prior to the 2022-2023 season, it was unclear where center Moe Wagner's fit on this Orlando Magic team was. 

After serving as a reserve center the year prior behind Wendell Carter Jr. and Mo Bamba, Wagner saw a jump in playing time towards the end of season while averaging 9.0 points and 3.7 rebounds on the year. 

And after missing the first 18 games of this season with a heel/ankle injury, Wagner's place in the frontcourt rotation was up in the air in his second full season for the Magic. 

However, an oblique injury to Carter at the beginning of December saw Wagner start the next 14 games - averaging 13.9 points, 6.9 rebounds and 27 minutes per game over the stretch.  

In 57 games this season, Wagner posted career-highs in points (10.5), minutes (19.5) and FT% (84.1), with Orlando posting a 27-30 mark with him in the lineup. 

"This year there wasn't really pressure, but now we've shown we can win a little bit," Wagner said. "It doesn't get easier just because you've done it, it'll only get harder and more difficult. You gotta keep improving and keep developing."

"There's a lot of value in knowing how much work you've put in the last 2-3 years and I think this group is very aware of that."

A first-round pick in 2018, Wagner signed a two-year, $3.6 million deal in August 2021, and now enters the 2023 offseason as a unrestricted free agent. 

"I really love this team, I love these guys," Wagner said. "So either way I'm super involved in how this organization will do."

Along with negotiating a new contract, the 25-year-old plans to suit up for his home country of Germany this summer in the FIBA World Cup. 

"I just like hooping, I like basketball," Wagner said. "Having the opportunity to play basketball on an international stage, I don't really know how that's a discussion, I love that stuff."

After a career-year and being a major spark off the bench, the surprising ascension of Wagner was one of many for Orlando this season. 

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