This is an article that was originally written in Spanish but after putting it through an internet translator, here is what it says. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Fran V?zquez was presented yesterday as new player of the Akasvayu Girona and its first words were in Catalonian: "Bon I gave to tothom", the spaniard said. V?zquez, that was accompanied by its representative Gorka Arrinda, forceful al was shown to explain why chose al Akasvayu: "Is the best staff than I have seen, impossible to reject an offering thus when you see the players that will have to your side". The own player recognized that once communicated its intention to put on file for the Akasvayu Girona, he received a call of a team of the large, that a blank check he offered him: "has been able Me more the sports bet of the Akasvayu". The number 11 of the draft of the NBA spoke of its meeting with the leaders of Orlando in Malaga: "they commented Me that they would continue me during my stay in Girona, but they know that I have compromised for four years and that before (of 2009) will be difficult that go. I have postponed to play in the NBA, for the time being I will do it in Girona". V?zquez had compliments for their new coach, Edu Towers, al to assure: "Another of the things that caused opt me was me the coach, since all their teams have obtained good results". The former player of Unicaja knew, in the same press conference, of the interest of Edu Towers by causing to play of wing-center instead of five and he commented al respect: "I have played little of four, but I recognize that when me I have done him I have felt comfortable". The spaniard assured that he arrives at Girona "to improve so much physical as mentally". And he analyzed the staff: "we Have team to opt to all". Towers: "My more important challenge" Edu Towers, technician of the Akasvayu, he was shown proud by the sports project of his present club. "I am very I excite, is the most important challenge than I have had. It paints well the thing, although still they lack two important pieces by covering. I think that we are creating a block that can be up". Towers analyzed the profile of the two acquisitions that lack: "we should be complemented with Myers and Salenga. It wanted to have a two athletic and defensive; while the winger would have that to be more scorer". Towers he recognized that he had liked to have to Jim?nez: "I Think that has an agreement with the Madrid. Al to withdraw the offering by him we seek other options".</div> Source (In Spanish) This sucks. It sounds like Fran Vazquez is going to stay overseas until 2009 when his contract ends. This pick just keeps getting better and better.
I thought we already agreed upon the fact that he's not coming, not this season nor any season after this. One reason I thought we agreed on this, was the fact that he's getting more money over there then he would get if he is to join us. Remember, he would only get the rookie contract which is already less than what he gets in Girona and that's not going to change while his current contract lasts. Would you give up money, being the star in your team, freetime (you play about 40+ games in Europe compared to 82+ in the NBA) and meeting your friends just to play in the NBA for a mediocre team where you would be the 4th or so option at best? And those things are definitely not going to change as long as his contract with Girona runs.
Yeah we did agree on that but when our general managers met with Vazquez they said he is expected to come over and play for us at some point. Well incase that is true, I just figured I would post that it isn't going to be until 2009. I bet he stays over there for all the reasons you listed which is unfortunate. I was really looking forward to seeing Fran play for us but it just isn't looking like it will happen.
One last thing to add: Remember Arvydas Sabonis? I know it's not exactly the same, he was drafted 1986 by Portland with the 24th Pick (was nearly 22 at that time) and played his first season in the NBA, for Portland of course, in 95-96 with 30 years, at the end of his prime, which he spent in Spain. I expect about the same to scenario with Fran. He's going to play the prime of his career in Spain and only towards the end of his prime / his career, is looking at the possibility of coming and playing in the NBA.
