Bruno Caboclo
When the Raptors took Bruno Caboclo with the 20th pick in the draft, the selection was such a shock that it wasn’t just fans that were left scratching their heads. There were even some GMs that were apparently asking who this guy was. And probably because of that, he became one of the biggest stories of the draft. A complete unknown who reportedly had a 7’7 wingspan, could shoot the three and was given the unfortunate nickname of the Brazilian Kevin Durant (because he apparently needed more pressure on him).
And until he walked onto the court in the Las Vegas Summer league, the only footage of him were a few clips so grainy it made the famous bigfoot footage look like high definition.
So just about every Raptor fan was waiting with baited breath to actually see him play in a semi-real NBA game.
As most of you know, his play in Las Vegas was something to be optimistic about, even if it wasn’t always that impressive. For a guy who is only 19, had only played sparingly on the Brazilian League team he played on, Bruno didn’t look out of place, but he didn’t make you think he’d be vying for Rookie of the Year honours, either.
Right now, Bruno’s biggest strengths are his physical attributes, his ability to shoot and his willingness to work. And he’s not that great of a shooter, yet.
So the question is, what exactly is his role going to be this year?
When DeMar DeRozan was drafted in 2009, he was placed into the starting lineup in order to make sure he was given consistent playing time in order to develop. Terrence Ross wasn’t given a starting position, in his freshman season, but did end up playing 17 mpg, only 4 mpg less than DeMar did in his rookie season.
Unless Bruno has made an unheard of developmental leap between Las Vegas and Vancouver (where the Raptors training camp is being held this year), don’t expect him to average anywhere close to 17 mpg, for several reasons.
One, he’s just not ready yet. DeRozan was polished as a rookie compared to what Bruno is, and one of DeRozan’s biggest weaknesses was his lack of polish. Bruno isn’t 2 years away from being two years away, as was famously suggested on draft night, but he is a year or two away from having the skills to be more than just a project.
Two, the Raptors also expect to be competing for a top seed in the playoffs, this year, after winning the Atlantic Conference and getting the 3rd seed in last year’s playoffs. I’m betting Coach Casey won’t want the mistakes that Bruno will inevitably make hurt the team’s chances.
Three, the Raptors are possibly as deep as they’ve ever been, and there just won’t be a lot of minutes available to him. His most likely future position is small forward, and with DeRozan, Ross, Landry Fields and the newly-signed James Johnson all expected to get minutes there, playing time will be scarce for Bruno. At least in the NBA.
Where Bruno might end up seeing far more time in the NBDL, which is probably best for him. He’ll be able to get minutes without being overwhelmed and without the pressure he’d get playing in the big leagues.
STRENGTHS
Besides his ability to shoot, which probably looks better than it actually is, Bruno’s biggest strength is what he brings on the defensive end. He’s got length, yes, but he also moves very well for a player his size and could one day end up being in the top ten in blocks. He’s also got quick hands and good defensive instincts for a player with his lack of experience. He also isn’t afraid to mix it up and grab rebounds on both ends of the court.
On offense, he doesn’t shy away from contact, but he’s also a turnover waiting to happen. Watch his NBA opponent’s eyes light up when Bruno puts the ball down on the floor. But he knows it’s a weakness and he’ll probably just end up being a spot-up shooter for the first season or two before he gets more comfortable with his ball handling.
WEAKNESSES
Offensive skills.
Well, he does have some skills, especially shooting and he does see the floor fairly well, but he’s also got a LOT of work to do. Thankfully, he’s a willing worker and you should expect to see major improvements over the course of the season.
Lucas “Bebe” Nogueira
I remember hearing about Nogueira years ago when he was a 16 year old physical freak with big hair and a smile to match. Well, not much has changed except he’s now 22 and will get front row seats to A LOT of NBA games this season.
I’m not suggesting Bebe doesn’t have some abilities. He does, but they just aren’t all that refined and there are a lot of things he LOOKS like he does well, but actually doesn’t. Like Bruno, Bebe is a physical specimen who has length and athletic ability that Rafael Araujo would have killed for.
STRENGTHS
Bebe is 6’11, has a wingspan almost as long as Bruno’s, and is quick and explosive for a player his size. That makes him a threat to block any shot near him. While he’s an intimidating shot blocker, a player of his size and athletic ability should be more dominant, on that end. Still, he will probably be the best shot blocker the Raptors have, this season, depending on Greg Stiemsma’s ability to step it up.
And Bebe while should never take a shot outside of five feet, he understands this and rarely does. He also moves fairly well without the ball and is a good offensive rebounder, so he tends to shoot a high percentage.
WEAKNESSES
Intense is probably not a word you’d use to describe Bebe. Easy going. Relaxed. But not intense, and that has hurt him during his career. He’s got the physical tools, but if he wants to stick in the league, he’s going to have to work a little harder than, say, Patrick O’Bryant, another physically gifted big man who Bebe should look at as a cautionary tale.
As mentioned, you aren’t going to get a lot of point with Bebe, either.
SUMMARY
Both Bruno and Bebe should see a lot of time in the NBDL, which will do them both a lot of good, but don’t expect to see them get a whole lot of playing time with the Raptors, this year. While Bruno has a lot in common with another physical freak, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Giannis had the advantage (?) of playing on a team devoid of talent and devoid of any hope of making the playoffs, so was given as many minutes as he could handle. That might not have been the best thing, though, as he no doubt has picked up some bad habits along the way, something Bruno will be less likely to do.
