ORLANDO - Fran Vazquez, the 2005 lottery pick who stunned the Orlando Magic by refusing to play for them so he could remain in Europe, has told a Spanish newspaper he hopes to soon play in the NBA with the Magic.
Whether or not the 6-foot-10, 238-pound Vazquez could join the Magic this season or not is unknown. The 24-year-old Vazquez has struggled to get playing time this season for European powerhouse FC Barcelona, and could be seeking a buyout of his contract.
The Magic made Vazquez the 11th pick of the 2005 NBA Draft, believing he was ready to leave his native Spain for the NBA. However, Vazquez used the Magic for leverage into a larger contract, and signed with a professional team in Spain.
The Magic have remained in contact with Vazquez, often sending scouts to watch him play and mailing him tapes of their games. After losing Darko Milicic in free agency and Tony Battie to a season-ending shoulder injury, the Magic could use some of the size and shot-blocking along the front line that Vazquez might provide.
"I've had two meetings with Magic people in Barcelona last month. They are very interested," Vazquez's agent, Jose Cabelo, told el mundo deportivo.
"It looks as if Fran is prepared and ready to make the leap. The next step, in the next few months, will be to let Barca (Vazquez's Spanish team) know the players' intention, and listen to their opinion to see if we can reach an agreement."
