The former Maryland phenom played seven seasons in the NBA with six teams. His best stint was with the New Orleans Hornets (now Pelicans) during the 2012-2013 season, when he led the league in total assists and finished second in the race for the NBA’s Most Improved Player Award.
However, during the 2015 season everything changed. Vásquez’s right ankle began to deteriorate. His documentary “All I Ever Wanted” explained that his ankles were a minor problem when he played on the Caracas courts. It did not hinder his ability throughout his college career, but eventually turned into a career-ending injury in 2016.
His first surgery happened in 2015. Then another in 2016. He could barely get out of bed and could barely walk. Vasquez says he was depressed. The only thing I wanted was to get back on the court.
He visited several doctors in several states and tried different programs to improve ankle health, but nothing worked. As his fight to return to the NBA continued, his relationships with family and friends deteriorated. He pushed everyone aside in an attempt to get back on the court.
“I was being selfish,” Vasquez said. “I wanted to play basketball. I wanted to finish my career the right way. It was never about money or fame or anything like that. “It was about proving myself once again.”
