Toronto Raptors 2016-17 player grades: The youngsters
By Nate Wolf
Bruno Caboclo
Did anyone really think Bruno Caboclo would play significant minutes for the Raptors this season?
Fran Fraschilla called Bruno “two years away from being two years away” after he was taken 20th overall in the 2014 NBA Draft. All arms and legs at 6-foot-9 with a 7-foot-6 wingspan, Bruno was and remains a project.
His progression this season, however, has been underwhelming. While Bruno was unlikely to feature heavily for Toronto, it was reasonable to expect a leap in production for the Raptors 905, Toronto’s D-League affiliate.
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After averaging 14.7 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks for 905 a season ago, Bruno played fewer minutes in 2016-17, and saw his per-minute production stagnate. When called up to the big league, he appeared in just nine games for a total of 40 minutes.
That said, Bruno did contribute when it mattered most, pouring in 31 points to seal the D-League title for Raptors 905. His tantalizing skillset was on full display that game – straight-line drives, spot-up threes, above-the-rim athleticism and defensive playmaking.
If Fraschilla was correct, Bruno is still one year away. That seems about right. According to those privy to D-League basketball, Bruno projects as a stretch-4 with high defensive upside.
Before he reaches that level, he’ll need to improve his 34.6 percent shooting from deep and get more experience guarding NBA-level players. Maybe after his ho-hum third year in the D-League, Toronto’s front office will decide that Bruno needs to develop alongside the big boys.