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…