Drafted in 2019 by the Atlanta Hawks, Bruno Fernando, the first player from Angola to make it to the NBA, is currently a power forward for the Toronto Raptors. After stints with the Boston Celtics and Houston Rockets, Fernando’s latest move to Toronto has garnered attention.
Blake Murphy of Sportsnet.ca confirmed that the deal is non-guaranteed, meaning Fernando will need to compete for a roster spot during training camp.
Fernando, the 24th pick out of Maryland, became a free agent after being waived by the Hawks, which led to his signing with the Raptors. In the 45 games he last played for the Hawks, Fernando averaged 6.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.0 assists per game. His career-high performance came with the Rockets, where he averaged 6.9 points and 4.0 rebounds in 10 games. However, his performance declined during his time with the Celtics, averaging just 1.0 points in 20 games.
Bruno Fernando’s Path to the Raptors
Toronto Raptors head coach Darko Rajaković told ESPN that signing Fernando from the Hawks was an easy decision. Rajaković stated, “I like that he plays really hard. I like that he wants to win; he is all about the team. He wants to help the team win in any way that he can.” Rajaković also highlighted Fernando’s defensive versatility and underestimated passing abilities as key reasons for bringing him to Toronto.
Rajaković confirmed that the Raptors had been monitoring Fernando for some time, and when the opportunity to sign him arose, they quickly acted. “We just found out that he got released from Atlanta and we jumped on him right away,” Rajaković told ESPN. “Obviously, we’ve been following him for years now and we know a lot about him.”
Fernando is currently in Johannesburg for Basketball Without Borders (BWB) Africa, where he confirmed his move to the Raptors. “I just signed yesterday (Friday) for the Toronto Raptors,” Fernando said. The non-guaranteed deal means he will report to camp and compete for a roster spot.
Bruno Fernando’s International Experience
Beyond his NBA career, Fernando has been a standout performer in international competitions. He first made his mark at the 2014 FIBA Under-17 World Championship in Dubai, representing Angola. His second appearance at the 2016 FIBA Africa Under-18 Championship was a turning point, where he helped Angola secure a gold medal, averaging 18.3 points, 6.6 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.6 blocks per game.
In an exclusive interview with FIBA.basketball, Fernando shared his experience playing for Angola, saying, “It’s a new experience, it’s a completely new level. Everything is new for me as a player; the level of expectations are different; the accountability is different.” Fernando’s journey has been historic, as he became the first Angolan to get drafted, play in the playoffs, and reach the Conference Finals in the NBA.
Fernando grew up playing for Primeiro de Agosto in Angola, one of the most basketball-focused countries in Africa. At BWB Africa, he is coaching at a camp led by Raptors president Masai Ujiri, which brings together the top teenage basketball talent from across Africa. Fernando expressed his excitement about being part of the camp, stating, “This is something I’ve always wanted to do… It’s special to me – it’s very important to be able to be a part of something that has such a huge impact on the continent.”
The Future for Bruno Fernando
As Fernando prepares for the next chapter of his career with the Raptors, the journey continues to be one of growth and impact, both on and off the court. His presence in Toronto will be closely watched as he competes for a roster spot and continues to build on his legacy as a trailblazer for Angolan basketball.
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