Franz Wagner is a German small forward who plays for the Orlando Magic in the NBA. He was born on August 27, 2001, in Berlin, Germany. Wagner began his basketball career in Germany, playing for Alba Berlin from 2017 to 2019. During the 2018-2019 season, he was on loan with SSV Lokomotive Bernau. In 2019, he won the Bundesliga Best German Young Player award. Seeking more exposure, Wagner moved to the United States to play college basketball. He joined the Michigan Wolverines from 2019 to 2021, where he had a solid college career, averaging 12 points per game over 55 games with a 46.5% field goal percentage. The Orlando Magic selected Wagner with the 8th overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft.
Wagner's potential was clear in his rookie season, highlighted by a 14-point, 11-rebound, and 6-assist game against the Brooklyn Nets. In December 2021, he scored a career-high 38 points and won Rookie of the Month, eventually earning a spot on the NBA All-Rookie First Team in 2022. Over his first three seasons, Wagner continued to excel with the Magic. On July 6, 2024, he signed a five-year, $224.23 million rookie max contract extension. Beyond the NBA, Wagner plays for the German national basketball team. He helped Germany win the 2023 FIBA World Cup and was named to the All-FIBA World Cup Second Team for his key contributions.
Franz Wagner’s Injury History
Franz Wagner, now in his fourth NBA season (2024-25), has mostly enjoyed an injury-free professional career, apart from a few minor injuries and one significant setback in early 2024. Before entering the NBA, however, Wagner was more injury-prone during his college years at Michigan. Here’s a detailed look at the major injuries he has faced, according to Fox Sports as of November 12, 2024:
Major injuries Franz Wagner sustained in the NBA
Right Ankle Sprain (2024 January)
In January 2024, Wagner sustained a right ankle sprain during an Orlando Magic game against the Sacramento Kings, sidelining him for eight games. Prior to his injury, Wagner was in peak form, averaging 20.9 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game, playing an integral role on both ends of the court. Wagner made a full recovery and returned to the lineup, continuing his impressive season with the Magic.
Major injuries Franz Wagner sustained before the NBA
Fractured Right Wrist (2019, College Freshman Season)
During his freshman season at Michigan, Wagner suffered a fractured right wrist, which sidelined him for four to six weeks. Fortunately, the injury didn’t require surgery, and the Wolverines’ medical team expected him to make a full recovery. Michigan head coach Juwan Howard expressed confidence in Wagner’s resilience and readiness to contribute as soon as he was cleared to play. Wagner indeed returned, playing a critical role for the Wolverines and demonstrating the potential that would eventually lead him to the NBA.
FAQs on Franz Wagner Injury History
A. Franz Wagner stands 6 feet 10 inches tall.
A. Franz Wagner's wingspan is 7 feet wide.
A. Franz Wagner's NBA2k25 rating is 86.
A. Wagner sports the No. 22 jersey for the Orlando Magic.
A. Yes. Mortiz Wagner is Franz Wagner's older brother. Both of them play for Orlando Magic, as of November 2024.
