NBA Draft Prep: Reviewing the Orlando Magic’s Last 6 Lottery Picks
2005: Fran Vazquez No. 11 overall, Grade: F
This is one of the greatest travesties of Magic lottery picks. The entire time leading to the 11th pick, I sat yelling and pleading that no team select swingman Danny Granger of New Mexico. He lasted to the No. 11 pick and the Magic proceeded to take Fran Vazquez, a guy most have never heard of because he never in fact made it over to the NBA to begin with.
First it was contractual issues, but it gradually became apparent Vazquez simply had no intention of leaving Europe. His girlfriend at one point was said to be a reason why, but it does not really matter.
Granger continued to fall all the way to Indiana at No. 17 overall and, of course, went on to be an All-Star and big scorer before suffering a knee injury that has now reduced him to a fringe reserve.
While Granger may have declined early, he offered a great run of production that would have pretty easily trumped what Orlando got from Vasquez. Namely, nothing.
Next: #1 overall, 2004