The Magic used the 11th overall pick in the 2005 draft to select Fran Vázquez, but he ultimately decided to remain in Europe for a variety of reasons. For almost six years, the Magic have attempted to convince Vázquez to leave Europe and make the jump to the NBA.

But just when it appears that the 6-foot-10 big man is receptive to joining the Magic, a possibly daunting hurdle looms. The potential of a prolonged work stoppage after the current season might prevent the long-awaited union between Vázquez and the Magic, at least for the 11-12 season.

The Magic hypothetically could sign Vázquez after the current season ends and before the current collective bargaining agreement expires at the end of June 30. He would then receive the rookie scale salary for the year he is signed instead of the rookie scale agreed upon in the next CBA.

"In an ideal situation, we'd like to sign him," said Otis Smith. "But with the CBA, it's not in his best interest to sign a contract if there is a work stoppage. Then he misses an opportunity to play and make money, at least for a while. That's the rub."

Ricky Rubio said on Tuesday that a lockout would be an "important" factor in making his decision on whether to come to the NBA for the 11-12 season, although Rubio could choose to sign with the Wolves this spring before the league's current collective bargaining agreement expires rather than risk terms of a new deal.

If he decided to leave for the NBA, he said that after his season is over he'll talk to his current club "and the NBA club, which right now is Minnesota."

"The sooner he gets over here, the quicker he's going to adapt and the better he's going to get," Kevin Love said. "He has had a lot of hype surrounding him. It'll mean a lot for the fans. It'll make the game more exciting. By the way he was talking about it, he does want to come over here and I do think he'll play for our team.

"If not, it'll be tough. I would love to play with him. I think he will come over and play here. I definitely think he'll play here."

Caja Laboral announced Friday that center Pape Sow has been hospitalized with a type of pulmonary embolism.

There is no timetable currently on when he will return.

Caja Laboral is scheduled to play the best-of-five Playoffs against Maccabi Electra starting Tuesday, March 22 at home in Vitoria.