The Orlando Magic drafted Spaniard Fran Vazquez with the 11th pick in the 2005 NBA Draft. You're forgiven if you don't remember that, because Vazquez hasn't played a single minute in the NBA since. While that's not unusual for a foreign player taken in the draft, it is unusual for a lottery pick, since the salary waiting for them in the states in usually enticing enough to draw them over the pond.
Fran Vazquez May Finally Play For Magic Next Year
That hasn't been the case with Vazquez, a 6-foot-10 center who was supposed to pair with Dwight Howard for a formidable frontcourt for the future. Howard seems to be on his way out this offseason, but talks have begun to bring Vazquez to the Magic for the first time, according to CBS Sports's Ken Berger:
Magic and reps for Fran Vasquez remain undecided on whether the Spaniard will come to Orlando next season, league sources say.
— Ken Berger (@KBergCBS) July 8, 2012
Vasquez, Orlando's '05 lottery pick, is at the end of Spanish League deal. There's been optimism that he'll finally join Magic next season.
— Ken Berger (@KBergCBS) July 8, 2012
Obviously nothing is close to being done, but this is the first Fran Vazquez-related news in years, and the possibility of an NBA punchline finally making his way over is newsworthy enough. Now if only 2005 12th pick Yaroslav Korolev could come back...
For everything on the Magic’s busy offseason, check out Orlando Pinstriped Post.
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