A left high ankle sprain and the continued rehab from a torn left ACL didn’t stop brothers Franz and Moe Wagner, respectively, from treating local youth to a holiday surprise Wednesday night inside the AdventHealth Training Center.
The Magic teammates granted holiday wishes for 30 local kids from the New Image Youth Center in Parramore when they spent time coloring, playing games and eating a meal together with Christmas music buzzing in the background.
Then came the big surprise.
As the youth made their way onto Orlando‘s practice court, it was hard not to spot a smile on their faces as they saw groups of gifts wrapped and tagged for each kid.
Some got new Hot Wheels cars, others pink plushy stuffed animals. Whether it was a shiny new bike or a “Chef Bluey” kitchen playset, none of the kids could believe their eyes.
“It’s really, really cool,” Franz Wagner said about having an opportunity to host such an event for the second year in a row. “Growing up, Christmas was our favorite holiday. So, it’s cool to provide these moments for these kids that are here, and just give back to the Orlando community.”
Added Moe Wagner: “It’s a huge part of what we considered childhood, our memories. We did it last year and it was so much fun to see the joy in their eyes. That’s fun for us to share that with them and it makes our Christmas cool, too.”
Franz Wagner received an early gift himself when an MRI on Monday confirmed he only suffered a left high ankle sprain during the first quarter of Sunday’s game at New York.
Although he’s expected to miss multiple weeks, it’s far from the initial concern the team had when Wagner landed awkwardly on his left leg, grabbed near his knee in immediate pain and needed help to the locker room.
Wagner, who had his left ankle in a boot and used crutches to walk around, described the outcome as “just a little bump in the road in the grand scheme of things.”
“Kind of mixed feelings,” Franz Wagner said about the moment he learned he avoided a major injury. “Super relieved, but at the same time, bummed that I’m going to be out for a couple weeks.
“Definitely caught a break there a little bit and I’m blessed that it’s just a high ankle sprain,” he added.
Jason Beede/Orlando Sentinel
Magic forward Franz Wagner, in a boot and crutches because of a left high ankle sprain, talks with a young girl from the New Image Youth Center in Parramore as she opens up presents during a special holiday event at the AdventHealth Training Center on Wednesday night. (Jason Beede/Orlando Sentinel)
While Franz Wagner expects to be back within a month’s time, his older brother is approaching the one-year anniversary of tearing the ACL in his left knee. Moe Wagner last played Dec. 21, 2024, against the Miami Heat and he continues to rehab.
“I’m doing really good,” Moe said about his recovery. “I’m feeling really good about where I’m at, finding the joy again of playing basketball and enjoying the process a little more.”
There was plenty of joy to go around Wednesday night in Orlando when the brothers tag-teamed for the holiday event.
“It feels so real,” Moe said about collaborating with his brother. “Because obviously we grew up together, sharing all of these moments together, and now it’s a family holiday. Our family is here. So being able to give back as a family to other families is really cool and authentic. It makes it so much more enjoyable.”
Added Franz Wagner: “It means a lot, especially for a holiday like this. We connect this holiday with spending time with family and loved ones, so it’s really cool now to be in this position together and share this moment with the kids.”
Jason Beede can be reached at jbeede@orlandosentinel.com
Jason Beede/Orlando Sentinel
Magic center Moe Wagner helps a young kid from the New Image Youth Center in Parramore open presents during a special holiday event Wednesday night at the AdventHealth Training Center. (Jason Beede/Orlando Sentinel)