Before I broadcast Bruno in 4K, allow me to adjust the settings.
It just goes to show how relevant this franchise has become when so much “mainstream” buzz can surround a team that’s only hit the hardwood once in the last six days. Especially while the rest of the league has been operating at full speed.
I realize the showcase in England, and the upcoming All-Star festivities, have helped pushed the Raptors into the moment’s forefront. But when a squad owns the league’s sixth-best winning percentage, a top 10 ranking in both offensive and defensive efficiency, along with a backcourt soaring to the next level, they’ve earned the spotlight regardless.
The club’s most notable wins against the likes of San Antonio, Cleveland, OKC and the Clippers haven’t hurt matters, either. Not to mention giving Golden State and Chicago a run for their money twice respectively.
Letdown losses vs. Sacramento, Phoenix and the Nuggets do keep our guard up, though as pointed out in the latest edition of ArseTalk, the Raps keep games close no matter the competition. Or even when they fail to bring their A-game. A 25-15 record does lend itself to giving the benefit of the doubt, so for now, I’ll take that as reassuring. And pulling out a victory over Orlando, despite the trouble getting there, is another step in the right direction in terms of putting away teams when you don’t exactly deserve the win.
Question: Is it wishful thinking to believe the NBA strategically chose Toronto to be a participant in London? An international team to help promote on an international stage does make sense. However, when I took a look at what TNT had on its schedule (Cavs @ Spurs), I began to wonder how much thought the league actually put into it. And judging by what the NFL keeps sending overseas, that notion only gets reinforced. But I digress.
Now, with so many surrounding narratives, a few of you (or maybe even every single person reading this) might be questioning why I chose to write a piece revolving around Bruno Caboclo. Well, I would answer by suggesting the timing is perfect. Publishing a piece that doesn’t exactly fit into the club’s current state of affairs accurately reflects Bruno’s current state of existence. Caboclo is, and has been, lost in the storyline shuffle.
Let’s relive the 2014 Draft to restart the conversation:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OgmILBHk1D8
Season 2, Episode 1:
We’re now almost two years removed from the infamous “Two years away from being two years away” quote dropped by ESPN‘s Fran Fraschilla. I think we all remember that night vividly — If you’re like me, your defense mechanisms were out in full force by letting your fandom get the best of you.
With the pick questioned league wide, Bruno became the perfect player to root for. That is unless you don’t get a kick out of watching a player defy his critics. If that’s the case, in my humble opinion, you’re doing it wrong.
For the most part, this city was on board with seeing this scenario play out. “WE WANT BRUNO!” chants immediately became an ACC staple with Caboclo treated like the team mascot. And though the overall cheering section still resides, the chants aren’t quite as loud as they used to be.
It’s obvious, but still has to be said: Bruno didn’t choose to be picked 20th overall. So if he ultimately ends up being a bust, the blame squarely falls on Masai for picking a player that by all accounts would have been available in the second round. Or even as an undrafted free agent.
At the time, and in the here and now, the amount of debate over who else could have been selected pales in comparison to the discussion that stems from Delon Wright being picked over Bobby Portis. If you’re new to this space and wish to read up on that situation, feel free to check out Rounds 1 and 2 of my ongoing series entitled: The Undercard. As well as Blake Murphy’s addition to the discussion with his Thoughts on Portis.
But considering the list of players that were available, overdue questions will eventually be asked with more regularity. Seeing that Jordan Clarkson was bypassed all the way to the 46th pick in Round 2, I can’t really dwell on what everybody missed. But the likes of Rodney Hood, Clint Capela, Dwight Powell and Mitch McGary (all of whom constitute upgrades) would likely be helping in areas of need at this point in time.
The draft is hit-and-miss territory even for the most astute, and Bruno did/does represent a future wing for this roster. So am I prepared to hold anyone in contempt? We’re not there yet.
We’ve seen flashes, albeit in extremely small doses, of solid potential. Whether it’s slashing to the rim, a shot-blocking presence, and even the hint that he could stretch the floor in the future. But we’ve also seen why he was originally labeled a 4-year project, as the awkward vibe his court awareness gives off is tough to stomach. He’s lost in the conversation as well as on the floor.
He’s still just 20-years young, so time is undoubtedly on his side. But when was the last time Bruno was even mentioned in the same discussion that even remotely touched on any upcoming playing time? His spot in the pecking order has essentially fallen behind Bebe, Bennett, Ronald Roberts, and Axel Toupane — with the latter two even being available to sign with other NBA teams. It depends on position need but part of the problem is that where Bruno fits is still up in the air. Positionless basketball, here we come?
Furthermore, should the Raps even be in this position? With Masai seemingly always thinking ahead, one has to wonder if this experiment was thinking TOO far into the future.
On the contrary, shouldn’t faith be kept in Bruno given that Masai’s time in Toronto has proved profitable? Since it’s becoming crystal clear that Caboclo will not be rushed and treated as a long-haul investment, let’s hope his gamble eventually pays off.
Notable D-League stats per game (17 total, 32.3 Minutes)
Encouraging: 1.9 threes, 1.7 Blocks, 5.2 boards
Discouraging: .363 FG%, .653 FT%, 46.3 TS%
How those numbers translate is still up for grabs, but promising nonetheless.
To be continued…
