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.
Fernando is set to become a free agent this offseason, which means these games are potentially offering him a chance to play for his next contract. As the third-string center when Houston’s roster is fully healthy, his opportunities can vary significantly from one game to the next.
“Every day is different,” he said. “For me, I just have to continue to stay professional. 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.”
Fernando has averaged 14.5 points (70.6% FG), 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 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.
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 good 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.”