Jan 31, 2022; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics forward Bruno Fernando (28) grabs a rebound over Miami Heat forward Chris Silva (30) during the second half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

Toronto Raptors Officially Sign Veteran Center

Originally posted on Fastbreak on SI | By Ben Stinar | Last updated Aug 5, 2024 12:04 AM ET

Bruno Fernando is coming off the best season of his five-year NBA career.

He averaged 6.3 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.0 assists per contest while shooting 58.3% from the field in 45 games for the Atlanta Hawks.

On Sunday, the Toronto Raptors have officially announced that they have signed Fernando to a contract.

Big welcome to @BrunoFernandoMV ! pic.twitter.com/nF9kZDoQ0d
— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) August 4, 2024

Fernando responded to the team's post.

His post had over 2,000 likes and 85,000 impressions in 12 hours.

Fernando wrote: "THANKFUL FOR THE OPPORTUNITY "

THANKFUL FOR THE OPPORTUNITY https://t.co/s6DCMfI8Op
— Bruno Fernando (@BrunoFernandoMV) August 4, 2024

Jay Rosales of That's A Rap Podcast added more details.

Via Rosales: "Raptors make the official announcement on the Bruno Fernando signing. He, along with Quincy Guerrier and Jamison Battle, will head into training camp with a shot for the 15th roster spot. Toronto can bring one more player to camp."

Raptors make the official announcement on the Bruno Fernando signing. He, along with Quincy Guerrier and Jamison Battle, will head into training camp with a shot for the 15th roster spot. Toronto can bring one more player to camp.
— Jay Rosales (@Rosalesaurus) August 4, 2024

If Fernando makes the team, he would be an intriguing addition to a Raptors team that is trying to get back into the NBA playoffs.

At just 25, he is young enough that he could still continue to improve over the next few seasons.

The Raptors have officially signed Bruno Fernando.

The almost 26-year-old is coming off a career year where he averaged career bests in pts (6.3), reb (4.3), ast (1.0) and stocks (1.2)

He’s a good vertical athlete who can catch lobs and throw it down.

Listed at 6’9, 240 lbs. pic.twitter.com/6AqeVZevwU
— Coty Wiles (@CotyWilesSports) August 4, 2024

Fernando was the 34th pick in the 2019 NBA Draft out of Maryland by the Atlanta Hawks.

In addition to the Hawks, he has also spent time with the Boston Celtics and Houston Rockets over five seasons.

His career averages are 4.0 points and 3.3 rebounds per contest while shooting 54.4% from the field in 203 regular season games.

He has also appeared in six NBA playoff games and was with the Hawks when they reached the 2021 Eastern Conference finals.

This article first appeared on Fastbreak on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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