The Toronto Raptors are signing free agent Bruno Fernando, per Sportsnet’s Blake Murphy.
The Raptors are signing Bruno Fernando, per a source.
It’s a non-guaranteed deal. Basically, come in to camp and compete for a roster spot. Some guarantees would kick in if he makes the team.
Not an Exhibit 10; he’s not 2-way eligible, no 905 implication.
— Blake Murphy (@BlakeMurphyODC) August 2, 2024
Fernando, 25, was waived by the Atlanta Hawks last week. The No. 34 pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, Fernando now joins the third overall pick from his draft class (RJ Barrett). However, his deal will be non-guaranteed, increasing the pressure on him to stand out before the season begins.
Raptors Address Roster Weaknesses With Bruno Fernando Signing
Fernando’s signing falls in line with many Raptors president Masai Ujiri’s previous roster moves.
Raised in Nigeria to Kenyan and Nigerian parents, Ujiri has a legitimate affinity with the African culture and its people. This has bled into his business life, as Ujiri has added a number of African players since taking the helm. In the past year, he’s either drafted or traded for Jonathan Mogbo, Ulrich Chomche, and Ochai Agbaji. Had he not been diagnosed with a blood clot issue, 2022 No. 33 pick Christian Koloko would still be on the roster. Prior to being traded last season, Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby were seen as franchise fixtures.
As Fernando is a native of Angola, Ujiri’s interest in him likely extends beyond basketball. With that being said, Fernando does have value for the Raptors off the court.
Chomche, an intriguing young player who was raised in Cameroon, was selected with 57th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. Represented by Klutch Sports and considered a potential lottery pick, he’s a diamond in the rough. However, as he prepares himself for the rigors of the NBA, he has to clear hurdles other rookies don’t have to. These will largely be psychological, with the 18-year-old now over 9,400 miles away from his birthplace.
Fernando, a gracious and humble individual, is more capable of taking Chomche under his wing than anyone on the roster. Similar to Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid, Fernando didn’t leave his home country until he was 16 years old.
Glass Cleaners Wanted
On the court, Fernando’s biggest strength is his motor.
Perhaps because he isn’t afforded the opportunity to, the forward-center doesn’t loaf around the court. This has translated to him being an above-average rebounder in a vacuum, especially at his size. Just 6-foot-9, Fernando’s pulled down 17.3 percent of the total rebounds over the past four seasons. For comparison, LeBron James has an 11.3 percent career rebounding rate.
With the Raptors ranking 23rd in rebounds per game (42.7) last season, this is where he can help the most.
