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- Posted on: Fri, 03/25/2011 - 8:42am #27284
BothTeamsPlayedHardParticipantFor almost six years, the Orlando Magic have attempted to convince talented Spanish basketball player Fran Vázquez to leave Europe and make the jump to the NBA.
But, now, just when it appears that the 6-foot-10 big man is receptive to joining the Magic, a possibly daunting hurdle looms. The potential of a prolonged work stoppage after the current season might prevent the long-awaited union between Vázquez and the Magic, at least for the 2011-12 season.
"In an ideal situation, we’d like to sign him," said Otis Smith, the Magic’s president of basketball operations.
"But with the CBA, it’s not in his best interest to sign a contract if there is a work stoppage. What if? I’m not saying that there will be, but what if? Then he misses an opportunity to play and make money, at least for a while. That’s the rub."
The talks between the Magic and Vázquez never seem to be simple.
The Magic used the 11th overall pick in the 2005 draft to select him, but Vázquez ultimately decided to remain in Europe for a variety of reasons. A native of a small town in Spain, he was reluctant to leave familiar surroundings and face the culture shock of living in the United States. His girlfriend, who is now his wife, also didn’t want to go to the U.S.
Magic officials believe those barriers have disappeared now that Vázquez, 27, has gotten older.
Assistant General Manager Dave Twardzik and Magic basketball operations staff travel to Europe two to four times every year, and on each one of those trips, Twardzik visits Vázquez in Barcelona or watches Vázquez play on the road. Just before this past Christmas, for example, Twardzik saw Vázquez play in Lithuania.
"There’s been a huge change in him," Twardzik said. "There’s just an air about him, a swagger about him now where he didn’t have that two or three years ago. He knows he’s good. He knows he belongs. He knows he’s one of the better players. So there’s a different aura about him when he’s out on the floor."
Twardzik said Vázquez always has been a good rebounder and shot-blocker, but Vázquez has added an effective 15- to 18-foot jumper to his offensive repertoire.
Vázquez’s contract with his current team, Regal FC Barçelona, will expire this June. The European club reportedly has made him a lucrative multiyear offer, but Vázquez hasn’t re-signed.
0 - Posted on: Fri, 03/25/2011 - 12:15pm #513703
mj23mj23besteverParticipanthed compete for a starting spot for the magic or be a very solid back up hes a tremendous defender and now has the mid range game
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