With the recent streak of injuries to the Houston Rockets’ frontcourt, one player is making the most of his sudden opportunity to gain more on-court minutes. With big men Christian Wood and Alperen Sengun nursing leg injuries and missing multiple games, reserve center Bruno Fernando saw his name called and became a bright spot in the rotation last week.
“I am a firm believer in taking full advantage of the opportunity,” said Fernando, who scored a career-high 17 points versus Sacramento on Wednesday. The third-year big, selected in the second round of the 2019 NBA draft, also grabbed 10 rebounds in his 22 minutes.
“Every day is different,” added Fernando, who becomes a free agent this offseason and is potentially playing for his next contract.
“For me, I just have to continue to stay professional,” he said. “At the end of the day, this is my job and what I am here for. I just try to stay ready and take care of the opportunity when it’s given to me.”
“He got an opportunity and we all know what Bruno (Fernando) can do,” said Rockets guard Kevin Porter Jr. #Rockets #LightTheFuse @BrunoFernandoMV #Sarge pic.twitter.com/AfBbkpYj5R
— #SARGE (@BigSargeSportz) April 3, 2022
Fernando has averaged 14.5 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks in 20.3 minutes over his last two games for the Rockets. The constant energy and effort of the 23-year-old, who was acquired via trade in February, has impressed his teammates — especially Kevin Porter Jr.:
You’ve got to stay ready in this league. He got an opportunity, and we all know what Bruno can do. I saw him; he was with me during my pre-draft workouts.
Me and Bruno are definitely familiar with each other. He is an energy guy. Everybody needs an energy guy on their team. He hustles. He does the dirty work. He bangs. Everyone needs someone like Bruno. It was definitely dope to see him get the opportunity and for him to play like he did.
Bruno hitting em with the spin move 🌪 pic.twitter.com/YgPXHXnlo7
— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) March 31, 2022
Fernando’s minutes may decrease as the regular season ends, since Sengun returned to the starting lineup on Sunday versus Minnesota. In turn, that made rookie Usman Garuba the primary backup. But the lack of playing time isn’t stopping Fernando from being a helpful teammate when it comes to helping those rookie bigs improve on the court.
“I try to help those young guys,” he said. “I talk to guys like Usman and Alperen as much as I can, and try to help them whichever way I can.”
“I try to help those young guys,” said reserve center Bruno Fernando about helping rookies Alperen Sengun and Usman Garuba. #Rockets #LightTheFuse @BrunoFernandoMV pic.twitter.com/VpqJWXvx7h
— #SARGE (@BigSargeSportz) April 3, 2022
