3 reasons why Bruno Caboclo could make the Boston Celtics roster

The Boston Celtics recently signed Brazilian big man Bruno Caboclo to a training camp deal for a chance to compete for the backup center spot. The six-foot-nine former first-round selection will be competing with the likes of Noah Vonleh, Mfiondu Kabengele, and Luke Kornet for a spot in Ime Udoka’s 10-man rotation.

Bruno comes in with seven years of relevant NBA experience as he logged time with four different teams in the Rockets, Grizzlies, Raptors, and Kings. Back in 2014, he was dubbed as being “two years away from being two years away” by ESPN’s Fran Fraschilla on draft night.

It has been eight years, and while the 2014 pick has yet to make much of a dent in the league, there is still a tremendous upside for the 26-year-old. Some players are late bloomers and there is low risk and potentially high reward in allowing Caboclo to make the roster.

Career averages of 4.2 points per game and 2.6 rebounds speak more to a lack of opportunity than to his full ability to contribute on a nightly basis. He’s only averaged double-digit minutes in two of his NBA stints.

As we have stressed repeatedly at Hardwood Houdini, the role of the backup five is incredibly important for the Boston Celtics entering the 2022-23 season. Once you consider the miles on an aging Al Horford, and the recent injury history of Robert Williams, it all becomes that much clearer of a hole to fill in the depth chart.

Here are three reasons why Bruno Caboclo can make the Boston Celtics roster for the 2022-23 NBA season: