While securing a position in the NBA represents an exceptional opportunity for basketball talents, being selected in the first round of the draft is an even more exclusive honor, typically indicating a higher likelihood of playing time.
So, when the Orlando Magic drafted Spain's Fran Vazquez with their 11th overall pick in the 2005 draft, one would presume that he would be overwhelmed. However, the 6'10" center was often found busy with something when the franchise called him to suit up and eventually featured in the league for them or anyone.
Moreover, while one would expect that Magic would be shorthanded or missing out on an opportunity to feature a promising player on their roster, Spain's national team coach assured them that Fran's absence was not a significant loss.
Magic firmly backed their decision to draft Vazquez
Leading up to the 2005 NBA draft, Fran was visualized as a defensive force with an estimated 7'2" to 7'4" wingspan, but he evidently had offensive voids in his game. So, while the Magic's decision to select the Spaniard raised some concerns, general manager Dave Twardzik expressed the franchise's confidence in their decision.
"I don't think it was a mistake," Twardzik said . "When he comes over, he's going to play for us."
Despite the franchise management eagerly awaiting Vazquez to suit up for them, the 6'10" center never went to the NBA. According to Fran's girlfriend and Orlando Sentinal writer - George Diaz the intensity and fast-paced dynamics of the American culture apparently proved overwhelming for the player.
"The best way I can explain it is that Fran Vazquez was a European country bumpkin," Diaz wrote. " Who was intimidated by America."
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Unique assurance to the Orlando Magic
Although Vazquez never officially represented the Magic or any other NBA franchise, he did experience one encounter with an NBA team.
In 2010, when the LA Lakers embarked on a pre-season tour to London and Barcelona, they were scheduled to compete against FC Barcelona, who had Vazquez on their team at the time, along with several other players who featured in the NBA, such as Juan Carlos Navarro, Terence Morris, and Ricky Rubio.
In a 20-minute appearance, Vazquez contributed 10 points and seven rebounds, helping Barcelona emerge victorious, defeating the Purple and Gold 92-88.
While Fran showed the potential of his ability to hold himself together on the court, Spain's national team coach - Manolo Rubia saw a different story off it. He saw how Fran struggled to make basic decisions without the help of his girlfriend, and instantly realized that the Magic didn't have much to worry about if he didn't feature for them.
"I recently asked the players on the national team how many tickets they needed for the (international) games. Everybody said two, three, six, whatever. Fran said, 'I'll have to ask Ana.' He can't even decide how many tickets he wants for himself, " Rubia said. "Orlando is not losing anything."
In the end, Fran had a very successful career in Europe, where he played for 19 years and retired in 2020. However, Magic wasted a lottery pick on him and missed out on some pretty good NBA players like Danny Granger, Monta Ellis, Gerald Green, Nate Robinson, and David Lee.
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