Happy Birthday Greivis Vasquez
Everyone’s favourite Toronto-based Venezuelan (Greivis Vasquez) turned 28 today, celebrating his birthday in style. By in style, of course, I mean by taking snapback-clad Instagram selfies.
In honour of our backup point guard’s birthday, let’s explore Vasquez’s NBA journey and how he ended up in Canada’s largest and most confident metropolis. Vasquez played college ball for the University of Maryland, finishing second on the Terrapins’ all-time scoring list, with 2,171 career points. After his successful time in university, Vasquez decided to take his talents to the Association.
He was drafted 28th overall in 2010 by the
Vancouver
Memphis Grizzlies, part of a strong draft class that included John Wall (drafted first), DeMarcus Cousins (drafted fifth) and Gordon Hayward (drafted eighth). In his rookie year, Vasquez was used sparingly, scoring in double-digits only twice. But, he gained extensive playing experience when the Grizzlies had a surprisingly successful run in the playoffs. Backing up Mike Conley, Vasquez helped his team beat the first-seed San Antonio Spurs.
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In 2011, Vasquez was traded to New Orleans (pre-Pelicans) in exchange for Quincy Pondexter. He earned a full-time starting role for the Hornets during the 2012/13 season, finishing the campaign as the league leader in assists (704) and second-place in voting for the NBA’s Most Improved Player award. So, Vasquez cemented himself as an NBA-caliber starter and as an asset to any team.
In 2013, Vasquez was traded to the Sacramento Kings, joining one of the most flawed systems in the league. Like many former and current Kings, Vasquez couldn’t really find his way in Sacramento, struggling to help the team earn a few wins. After averaging just 5.3 assists per game as the team’s starter, Vasquez was moved to Toronto 18 games into the season. This is the deal Raptors fans remember as a defining moment in the team’s history.
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With Rudy Gay out and a cast of competent role players in, the Raptors took on a new life. That life being one of not sucking for the first time in years. We owe a lot of this new found success to Vasquez, who absolutely epitomizes the ideals of team-first basketball. Off the court, Vasquez is charming to reporters and fans, easily cementing himself as a fan-favourite amongst a team of fan-favourites. He cares about this city and this team, which is more than we can say about many players who have come to play for Canada’s only NBA franchise in their 20 year history.
On the court, Vasquez is a smooth operator with great vision, a high basketball I.Q., and a surprisingly sharp ability to finish around the rim. He can also shoot the three-ball and play passable defence. His mediocre athleticism limits him from ever being a truly elite defender, but he gets the job done. What comes across most in his play is his passion for the game. Vasquez is a fiery competitor, willing to take on any role to help his team win. He is a guy we will need this season, as the Raptors look to make it past the first round of the playoffs for only the second time in franchise history.
Happy birthday Greivis