The Toronto Raptors added some depth to their frontcourt ahead of the season in signing signed centre Bruno Fernando, the team announced on Sunday.
Fernando, 25, is joining the Raptors after averaging 6.3 points, 4.3 rebounds and 15.2 minutes in 45 games with the Atlanta Hawks last season.
Through 203 career games over five seasons with Atlanta and Houston, the former 34th overall pick in 2019 has averaged four points per game on 54.4 per cent shooting from the field and 3.3 rebounds.
It was reported by Sportsnet’s Blake Murphy that Fernando’s deal is non-guaranteed and that the six-foot-10 big man would be competing for a roster spot throughout training camp.
Toronto did not disclose the financial terms of the deal.
Before his five seasons in the NBA, Fernando played in the NCAA at Maryland (2017-19) where he made All-Big 10 first team and Big 10 All-defence as a sophomore.
A native of Luanda, Angola, Fernando became the first player from his country to be drafted into the NBA.
The Toronto Raptors have made a significant move in the offseason by signing centre Bruno Fernando to their roster. The 23-year-old big man brings a unique skill set to the team and could be a valuable asset in the upcoming season.
Fernando, who hails from Angola, played college basketball at the University of Maryland before being selected by the Philadelphia 76ers in the second round of the 2019 NBA Draft. He was later traded to the Atlanta Hawks, where he spent the first two seasons of his NBA career.
Standing at 6’9″ and weighing in at 240 pounds, Fernando is known for his athleticism and shot-blocking ability. He is also a strong rebounder and has shown potential as a rim protector. His presence in the paint could help bolster the Raptors’ defense and provide a physical presence in the paint.
While Fernando’s offensive game is still developing, he has shown flashes of potential as a scorer in the low post. With his size and strength, he could become a reliable option for the Raptors in the paint and provide some much-needed depth at the centre position.
The addition of Fernando adds another young and talented player to the Raptors’ roster, which already includes rising stars like Pascal Siakam and Fred VanVleet. With a mix of veteran leadership and promising young talent, the Raptors are poised to make some noise in the Eastern Conference this season.
Overall, the signing of Bruno Fernando is a smart move for the Toronto Raptors. His defensive prowess and potential on offense make him a valuable addition to the team, and he could play a key role in their success in the upcoming season. Fans should keep an eye on Fernando as he looks to make an impact in Toronto and help the Raptors compete at a high level in the NBA.