“Going into it, I was kind of expecting to feel really good within like 4-6 weeks of the injury,” Wagner told the Orlando Sentinel in the locker room after Tuesday’s game about the injury he suffered Dec. 7 at New York. “And obviously that wasn’t how I felt. So, I think that’s always frustrating probably not just for me (but) for everybody involved.”
That frustration stems from the fact he’s already attempted to come back twice: First for a pair of games in Europe in mid-January and then again for two home games against the Bucks ahead of the NBA All-Star break.
After both instances, pain from the injury returned, indicating he needed more time to properly heal while dealing with the first high ankle sprain in his career.
“I think it was a little special circumstances with the Berlin game,” he said. “I take responsibility for playing in that game and really pushing to play in that game, and it was probably a little too soon. And then, super frustrating for me to do it a second time around and still not feel up to par prior to the All-Star break.
“So, it’s been a tough year,” he added. “Obviously I’ve got great respect for everybody here and I think we’re just trying to make best out of the situation.”
Time, however, is running out for that to be accomplished this season.
The playoffs begin a month from Wednesday and there are only 14 games remaining in the regular season for the Magic, starting Thursday at Charlotte.
“Yeah, I think that’s the nature of this thing — I feel pressure,” he said. “I put a lot of pressure on myself to play in that game in Berlin. I want to be available for the team and help my team win, regardless of how many games are left in the season honestly.
“Obviously it gets more pressing and pressing by the day, but at this point, I’ll be honest, I just want to be healthy and 100% and really finish the rehab,” he added. “Can’t do any half-rehabs anymore.”
Last Wednesday, Magic coach Jamahl Mosley said Wagner was doing some on-court work but no contact yet. Before Tuesday’s game, Mosley shared that Wagner had begun doing “a little light contact” on the floor “but that’s about where he is right now.”
Wagner shared more details about the work he’s done and the steps remaining.
“I’ve been doing some more intense workouts on the court,” he said. “I haven’t played live yet so hopefully that’s in the near future for me. I can’t really put a time thing on it, but (I’ve) definitely been working really hard to get back on the court.”
