This topic contains 4 replies, has 2 voices, and was last updated by AvatarAvatar Mr. 19134 13 years, 5 months ago.

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  • #22197
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    Mr. 19134
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     The Orlando Magic selected this guy with the 11th pick in the 2005 NBA Draft right after the Lakers selecting Andrew Bynum.  After watching FC Barcelona school the still rusty from off season Cali relaxation, I couldn’t help but to be disapointed that Bynum wasn’t playing so him and Vazquez could face off.

    When the Magic selected him there was still notable talent on the board, Sean May, Danny Granger, Hakim Warrick, Nate Robinson, David Lee, Jason Maxiell, Leinas Kleiza, and Monta Ellis, Lou Williams, and Andray Blatche went in the 2nd round in the last year H.S. players were allowed to enter the draft.

    Hindsight is one thing, but at the time, at least in my eyes, May, Granger, Kleiza, and David Lee were all worthy of the 11th pick.  I never understood how somebody as skilled an athletic at David Lee dropped and I always thought he was a lotto talent.  I thought Blatche was a lotto talent too because of his combination of size, mobility, and outside shooting I thought if Bynum went ten why did a PF of the same potential drop to the 2nd round.

    But anyways as we all know Vazquez never came over and the Magic weren’t very good at the time.  I remember them saying he was like Andris Biendrins who was taken a year before but more NBA Ready.  I love Biendrins game so I started to follow Vazquez career as this international man of mystery refused to live the dream that millions of millions of kids around the World dream about and thats playing in the NBA.  This guy was a lottery pick and said nevermind the NBA is not that important.

    Vazquez has been one of the most dominant rebounding, and shot blocking big men in Europe these past two years.  He has really found his niche and understands what his strengths are, and uses them to his advantage to compensate for his weaknesses.

    Fran Vazquez :6’11 230

     

    Impressive resume to add to his impressive length and athletic ability.  There is no doubt that Vazquez could start for at least half of the teams in the league right now.  He only signed a one year extension with Barcelona for 2010.  Orlando needs to start courting him.  He is 27 and has already accomplished mostly everything you can in Europe it’s time to step your game up.

    Fran Vazquez game almost mirrors Biendrins minus the post moves.  So a better Vazquez comparison might be somebody like Marcus Camby.  With the Heat stacked, and The Celtics still big the Magic have a chance to get a god send from Spain to beat the Heat in the only place they can, the middle.  

    Fran Vazquez would be a huge boost for the Magic and would come in and start right away at Power Forward allowing Lewis to move back to SF.  With Howard and Vazquez down low nobody but the Lakers, and Celtics could compete with that size. And only the Lakers with the combination of size and athleticism.  

    Vazquez as previously mentioned with 6’11 a solid 230, and has great length.  I don’t know his Wingspan but it’s easily over 7’2 possibly 7’3.  Vazqez runs the floor like a deer and gets off his feet quickly.  He shoots over 60% usually around 65% because he dunks everything within ten feet of the basket and will put you on a poster if your too late on your switch.  He also posses a great rebounding prowess and shot blocking timing. 

    If he were to come over and play for the Magic he gives the Magic a huge frontcourt featuring two players who are capable of 10 rebounds and 2 blocks.  

    What do you guys think about Vazquez will he ever show his face in the NBA?   His game is tailored made for this league and running the court.  With the lack of big men in the league he could come in and be one of the best defensive bigs in the whole league.  Look at the contract Biendrins commanded and Vazquez could put up virtually the same numbers with more blocks.

    Comments, opinions, questions….

     

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  • #410307
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    joecheck88
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    he looks impressive and i think he is what the magic need. a legit starting power forward with size and length. i dont think he would get the 10 rebounds but he could be 13ppg and 8rpg while complimenting dwight howard well with his outside shot. when you watch him play you can see why he was a lotto pick. he should come for like 2 years, if he likes it he can play til his mid 30s if he doesnt he can go back to europe and be dominant for another 4 or so years. either way its win win for him. but he could make the magic a better matchup against teams like la or boston.

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  • #410338
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    Mr. 19134
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     Vazquez would get 10 rebounds a game easily.  That’s what he does he’s a rebounding machine.  He’ll get a lot of offensive rebounds too especially on that Magic team which jacks up more 3’s then anybody.  

    I think if he were to come over he could average around 12 and 11 with 2 blocks on that Magic team.  He’ll take some of the load off of DH so he don’t have to grab every rebound.  They would be one of the most imposing frontcourts in the NBA with that combination of size and athleticism plus they still got Bass, Gortat, and Anderson off the bench.  Vazquez is easily better the Gortat.

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  • #410360
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    Mr. 19134
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     The Great thing about this situation is that if he came over now during the Magic’s title contending year it could really make up for shunning them in the first place.  He is like a big X factor if the Magic can just convince him to leave Europe a good sign that he might is that he only signed a one year extension meaning he might be thinking of "taking his talents state side."

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  • #411318
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    Mr. 19134
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