Fran Vazquez Re-Signs with FC Barcelona
by Evan Dunlap on Jun 21, 2011 12:26 PM EDT
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Fran Vazquez re-signed with FC Barcelona on Tuesday afternoon, keeping him out of the NBA for at least the next two seasons. When he's next a free agent, Vazquez will be 30. The Orlando Magic, who own his rights after selecting him 11th overall in the 2005 NBA Draft, will have to look elsewhere to address their need for a center to back-up Dwight Howard this season.
Orlando, which played most of last season without a true backup center after trading Marcin Gortat in December, had courted Vazquez throughout the offseason, making it clear it'd like to have him join the team. The largest obstacle for signing Vazquez now is the pending expiration of the current Collective Bargaining Agreement. With no cap space to sign him prior to its expiration and no idea what the next CBA might allow, or when it will be finished, the Magic's chances of landing him were dim at best.
Vazquez is regarded as the best center in Europe, averaging 8.1 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1 block in EuroLeague play last season, shooting 65.3 percent from the field. His athleticism makes him an excellent pick-and-roll finisher, not unlike Gortat. He'd assuredly make an impact in the NBA right away.
UPDATE: In an interview with the Orlando Sentinel, Jose Cobelo, Vazquez's agent, says Vazquez will consider signing with Orlando after his new contract with FC Barcelona expires. Cobelo also explained why joining the Magic this summer wasn't a possibility for Vazquez:
"The Magic, with the potential of a lockout, weren't a viable option for Fran," Cabelo said. "We don't know with any degree of certainty what the conditions would be or whether he'd get to play [any games because of the labor situation]."
If a lockout shortened or eliminated the forthcoming season, none of the players would be paid.
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Good thing I didn’t hold my breath.
Fear the Beard!
by BleedingBlueSince89 on Jun 21, 2011 12:41 PM EDT reply actions
figures
Officially that pick was now a waste. Danny Granger was right there. I mean it was a waste, but there was slim hope for him to come. Now its gone. Otis….just please resign.
Roll Bass and War Ryno for me
Not surprised.
But it’s worth noting that the Magic, as a team, have really been screwed by this whole ordeal. That was a top pick that could have paid dividends for years along side Howard.
So disappointing.
by The BBQ Chicken Madness on Jun 21, 2011 1:08 PM EDT reply actions
8ppg, 4 boards and 1 block? Wow. Kwame Brown-like numbers.
Surprised he didn’t go #1 overall that year.
He's the best center in Europe. And those are only in 18 minutes per game.
By all accounts, he’s good enough to be a solid center in the NBA right away.
Do they just play differently? 4 rebounds in 18min doesn't seem that impressive.
Not saying I doubt the consensus on his ability, I just don’t understand the short figures.
Yeah that's bad
So this guy is basically a worse version of Andrea Bargnani (without the range)
With the 15th pick, the Miami Dolphins select John Stamos....'s brother
I probably know Judo! How many of you can make the same boast?
by Souwantmyname on Jun 21, 2011 9:58 PM EDT up reply actions
THIS
Excuses. Reasons you failed. No one wants to hear them.
by NO PITY IN TIMBER CITY on Jun 22, 2011 9:47 AM EDT up reply actions
The Eoro game is very odd.
He’s the best center in Europe but only play 18 minutes. Not mind numbing numbers either. Where’s the logic?
Danger Zone
by IsisAgentArcher on Jun 22, 2011 1:03 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
*Euro
My bad.
Danger Zone
by IsisAgentArcher on Jun 22, 2011 1:04 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
You don't follow much Euroleague, do you?
"...sometimes your eyes lie to you..." ~SVG | I'm on Twitter
by magicfaninTN on Jun 22, 2011 10:31 PM EDT up reply actions
Please, Otis
can you stop bringing this guys name up?
"A man has got to have a code." -Bunk, Season 1; Omar, Season 4.
Reports are saying it was only a one year extension.
Could be a nice pickup in the summer of ’12 if we have to clean house.
Hard to argue with a player wanting to avoid the lockout mess. Just hope he comes over here next summer…
Yep
One year extension. Probably got a player option or something.
by eltharion_doa on Jun 25, 2011 4:46 AM EDT up reply actions
Good riddens
Did anyone really think Vasquez would ever be worth his slot anyways?
Get out of my House!
He's not even the best in Europe
arguably. You could say that Jonas Valanciunas was better this past year, and he’s not anywhere near Gasol’s talent (again arguably) plus he looks frail and most centers from over there don’t pan out too hot recently.
Dwight Howard - "My Gosh, what is that smell?"
Otis Smith - "That's the smell of success my man."
Dwight Howard - "No, it smells like a used Arenas... filled with... Turkoglu..."
Otis Smith - "You know, success smells like that to some people." (turns and walks toward a crowd of fans)
Fan#1 - (Disgusted) "What is that? Smells like a turd covered in burnt hair..."
Fan#2 - (Horrified) "Smells like Bigfoot's dick!"
Otis Smith - (Tries to act casual and walk away) "Woah, what's that smell?"
Fan#3 - "Oh no. We suck again!"
Splitter was way better than him...
…and is struggling in San Antonio. I don’t think Vasquez would make an impact next season, even playing backup for Dwight.
I feel similarly
Dwight Howard - "My Gosh, what is that smell?"
Otis Smith - "That's the smell of success my man."
Dwight Howard - "No, it smells like a used Arenas... filled with... Turkoglu..."
Otis Smith - "You know, success smells like that to some people." (turns and walks toward a crowd of fans)
Fan#1 - (Disgusted) "What is that? Smells like a turd covered in burnt hair..."
Otis Smith - (Tries to act casual and walk away) "Woah, what's that smell?"
BTW
I’m reading that the Spurs will try to land Valanciunas in a draft day trade involving Tony Parker (!!!). Apparently, Splitter has not pleased Poppovich. Is there any way we could get him to be D12’s backup? In my opinion, he’s an amazing prospect, with a lot of upside and could give Dwight about 12-15 minutes of rest in games, as well as contribute in the offensive end in pick n roll plays.
Splitter
seems to be taking a long time adjusting to America and NBA basketball, now he may only need one offseason to adjust. I’d rather take my chances on him, who is currently here and playing, than in Fran who just says “I’d like to play” so he can get more money over there, he’s not coming and he’s really not that good to wait on, especially with where he was taken.
Dwight Howard - "My Gosh, what is that smell?"
Otis Smith - "That's the smell of success my man."
Dwight Howard - "No, it smells like a used Arenas... filled with... Turkoglu..."
Otis Smith - "You know, success smells like that to some people." (turns and walks toward a crowd of fans)
Fan#1 - (Disgusted) "What is that? Smells like a turd covered in burnt hair..."
Otis Smith - (Tries to act casual and walk away) "Woah, what's that smell?"
People still think Gasol is "soft"...how's that workin' out?
"(Dwight) Howard averages 23 points and 14 rebounds per game and is the defensive basketball equivalent of a guy carrying a bazooka during laser tag. No one wants to play with that kid."-Matt Moore
*riddance
NYAN NYAN NYAN NYAN NYAN NYAN
by TheGiantSquid on Jun 21, 2011 9:04 PM EDT up reply actions
Ditto.
Why the Fran talk anyway? He will NEVER suit up for the Magic. The ONLY time he brings up the Magic is when he wants a better paying contract in Europe.
“I’m going to the NBA if I don’t get more money!”
Honestly, Playing with the most dominant center in the game right now won’t help him out??
Worst.
Pick.
Ever.
Easily
This guy has given the organization and its fans nothing but frustration. Trade this mofo’s draft rights asap
With the 15th pick, the Miami Dolphins select John Stamos....'s brother
I probably know Judo! How many of you can make the same boast?
by Souwantmyname on Jun 21, 2011 9:54 PM EDT up reply actions
True indeed Game Manager.
True indeed.
Excuses. Reasons you failed. No one wants to hear them.
by NO PITY IN TIMBER CITY on Jun 22, 2011 10:01 AM EDT up reply actions
Fran is scared of how badly he will be exposed if he ever came to the NBA. That’s why he’ll never play in the league.
He doesn’t start and his best season he posted averages (2008-09) of 8.7 ppg 4.7 rpg.
What a Jit
Wait he doesnt start?
With the 15th pick, the Miami Dolphins select John Stamos....'s brother
I probably know Judo! How many of you can make the same boast?
by Souwantmyname on Jun 21, 2011 9:55 PM EDT up reply actions
Barcelona only have two guaranteed starters
Rubio and Lorbek.
Anderson, Grimau, Ndong, Perovic and Vazquez all started 25% or more of Barca’s Euroleague games last season. Another 5 players got at least 3 starts.
Fair to say European basketball is so different a beast to NBA basketball that straight comparisons are meaningless. Vazquez has a solid NBA game – whether he starts in Europe or not is irrelevant.
by eltharion_doa on Jun 25, 2011 4:51 AM EDT up reply actions
well I'm not shocked.
just did my research.. Otis was hired AFTER the Vasquez pick, but that’s not gonna stop some Magic fans from piling this on top of him.. or basically whoever the Orlando GM is
How long has Otis been the GM?
In those years he failed to get him over here. That is on him
With the 15th pick, the Miami Dolphins select John Stamos....'s brother
I probably know Judo! How many of you can make the same boast?
by Souwantmyname on Jun 21, 2011 9:56 PM EDT up reply actions
golf clap***
-FLORIDA STATE SEMINOLES-;;-►
by Blood, Sugar, Sex, ORLANDO Magic on Jun 21, 2011 6:35 PM EDT reply actions
I get the sense there isn't going to be a good piece of Magic news for a really long time.
by CaliFlorida on Jun 22, 2011 1:15 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
how about...
Josh Smith wants to play in Orlando if he is traded.
At least he still thinks we are a good team.
He also said...
Houston and NJ are on his list as well. If he signs with NJ and they resign D-Will, we might as well as adios to old D-12.
"If we’re scheduled to play tonight, we’re scheduled to win tonight." -Vince Carter
by TheOtherWhiteMeat on Jun 22, 2011 5:18 PM EDT up reply actions
*say adios
"If we’re scheduled to play tonight, we’re scheduled to win tonight." -Vince Carter
by TheOtherWhiteMeat on Jun 22, 2011 5:21 PM EDT up reply actions
The Best Center in Europe only plays 18 minutes a game????
Also the Best center in Europe averages 8 points 4 rebounds and 1 block?
Anyone care to give a rational explanation as to why the best center in Europe only plays 18 minutes a night?
Oh Wait, he is so awesome the games are over in the 1st 18 minutes, where his 8 points 4 rebounds and 1 blocks have demoralized the other team to the point his services are no longer needed?
Also he could just be lazy. He already makes millions. Why come to a new country and new employer for roughly the same pay? GO from “Europe’s Best Center” to Dwight Howard’s ball boy. 05 draft was a loss. Lets deal with it.
Fran. I think of that obnoxious lady who used to sell make up and babysit kids on tv.
Excuses. Reasons you failed. No one wants to hear them.
by NO PITY IN TIMBER CITY on Jun 22, 2011 9:45 AM EDT reply actions
Some of y'all sound bitter, and it's not a good look.
Every person I’ve spoken to who’s seen Fran play raves about him. He’s an excellent player and would help the Magic if he played here.
No arguments here
I agree and identify. It’s been a very frustrating process. For me, it highlights one of the weaknesses of this system that annoys me to no end: using a draft pick with no assurance that the player will agree to play. In these instances, we just lose the pick. In my opinion, either force the player to play or give the team the pick back. I know the draft process is much more complex than I’m describing, but it’s the solution I want to see.
So, yes, I’m bitter about Fran. My position is: don’t enter the NBA Draft if you aren’t 100% sold on joining. It’s irresponsible and almost unethical to jerk the teams around like this. At least Minnesota finally got Rubio. I’ll believe that Vazquez really wants to play for Orlando when I see him in a Magic uniform.
I am not bitter about this as I wasn't even around when the draft happened
I agree it’s irresponsible for a player to declare himself for the draft and never turn up to play. It’ not like an ordinary person like me going for a job interview and then decide not to accept the offer.
Is it possible to impose a compensation from the draftee? Of course as you said, it’s more complex than this.
You don't have a choice about entering the NBA draft as an international player
If you’ve played pro ball for a season and you’re over 18, you’re in the draft. Whether you want to be or not. If teams want to then take a gamble on you…how is that your fault?
by eltharion_doa on Jun 25, 2011 4:56 AM EDT up reply actions
Sorry
You have to be 22 (which Vazquez was) not over 18 to be eligible.
by eltharion_doa on Jun 25, 2011 4:59 AM EDT up reply actions
Bitter?
What do I have to be bitter about?
The guy just isn’t that good to even had meritted a top selection. I don’t want him backing up Dwight even if he was chosen in the lottery in ‘05. I’d rather have Daniel Orton. Why would I want a skinny man, who really doesn’t dominate his league to come in and average somewhere around 4 points and 2 rebs. I can get that from Jason Collins, Cole Aldrich, and Daniel Orton. I’m not impressed with his lack of production. I don’t care how people want to build him up, he just isn’t that good, especially from the few times I’ve seen him play, he was basically just another player.
Dwight Howard - "My Gosh, what is that smell?"
Otis Smith - "That's the smell of success my man."
Dwight Howard - "No, it smells like a used Arenas... filled with... Turkoglu..."
Otis Smith - "You know, success smells like that to some people." (turns and walks toward a crowd of fans)
Fan#1 - (Disgusted) "What is that? Smells like a turd covered in burnt hair..."
Otis Smith - (Tries to act casual and walk away) "Woah, what's that smell?"
Not sure why most of you don’t seem to understand he simple economics here. IF there were no CBA issues he would play for Orlando.
He signed a 1 year deal, not a multi-year deal
Still
wouldn’t want him
Dwight Howard - "My Gosh, what is that smell?"
Otis Smith - "That's the smell of success my man."
Dwight Howard - "No, it smells like a used Arenas... filled with... Turkoglu..."
Otis Smith - "You know, success smells like that to some people." (turns and walks toward a crowd of fans)
Fan#1 - (Disgusted) "What is that? Smells like a turd covered in burnt hair..."
Otis Smith - (Tries to act casual and walk away) "Woah, what's that smell?"
a One year deal, and I bet a draft pick if I could that he won't play for the Magic a year after.
Let’s face it, he’ll never wear a Magic Uniform. He never even wore a Magic cap on draft night, because he wasn’t even there!
Aww man
(with my hands in my pockets, scraping my shoe on the floor to kick up dust)
He'd be an utter moron
To turn down guaranteed basketball in Europe over the chance to not get paid and not play in the US.
If he still doesn’t come in 2012, then you can pull out the knives. Everything he’s done so far has been utterly sensible.
Whether or not he’s actually good enough is a completely different matter, but I’m not going to judge that until he actually plays NBA ball. If he ever does.
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