The Toronto Raptors have assigned Lucas Nogueira, Delon Wright, and Bruno Caboclo to Raptors 905 of the D-League, the team announced.
Norman Powell, who set a franchise-record with 36 points for the 905 on Thursday, spared himself an assignment this time around by turning in a strong night in a surprise spot start with the parent club on Friday. “No days off,” he reminded me Friday, though, pointing out that missing the 905 game just means he’ll be with the Raptors for practice Saturday instead.
Coming off of a busy week, the 905 most certainly need the extra bodies. Already short Ronald Roberts and DeAndre Daniels due to injury, the 905 saw Greg Smith and Axel Toupane called up to the NBA this week, and then traded Melvin Johnson III at Friday’s trade deadline. They acquired E.J. Singler and Davion Berry, too, but it’s unclear if either of those players will have arrived and passed their physicals in time for Saturday’s 2 p.m. tip.
Caboclo and Nogueira were with the 905 for Thursday’s narrow – and ugly – loss to Fort Wayne. Caboclo poured in 29 points but Nogueira turned in an off-night at the defensive end, leading to some frustration from head coach Jesse Mermuys. Nogueira played primarily at the four in that game and stands to do so again on Saturday next to Sim Bhullar, a challenge defensively but one Nogueira has spoke openly about wanting, viewing himself as more power forward than center.
Wright, meanwhile, hasn’t been with the 905 since Jan. 18. Prior to that point, he was a regular, dominating on the offensive end but still working through the finer points of pick-and-roll defense, a weakness that’s been on display when given run at the NBA level, too. With Tim Frazier, R.J. Hunter, and Levin Randolph opposite him Saturday, Maine should represent a good test in that regard.
The 905 tip off at 2 p.m. at the Hershey Centre. If you’ll be there, holla at ya boi (@BlakeMurphyODC).
