Five years, one month, and 26 days have elapsed since the Orlando Magic used the 11th overall pick of the 2005 NBA Draft on Fran Vazquez, then a mere 22 years old. And Vazquez has still yet to play for the Magic, instead plying his trade in high-level leagues in his native Spain.
Yesterday, in an exhibition match against Team U.S.A., Vazquez tallied 8 points, 3 rebounds, 1 steal, and 1 block in 14 minutes off Spain's bench--yes, he's good enough to play for Spain's national team--and looked NBA-ready. Mobile, with good hands, he'd make an excellent pick-and-roll partner for Jameer Nelson in Magic pinstripes. In June, the world-renowned Jonathan Givony said Vazquez "could start on a number of NBA teams."
But I'm wondering if any Magic fans care about Vazquez anymore, as I've received some heat in the comments section for writing about non-Magic players such as Carmelo Anthony and Chris Paul. Is Vazquez, who's still Magic property despite being a world away, still a subject worth your attention? Let me know in the comments and by voting in the poll attached to this post.