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Atlanta Hawks ’19-’20 Season Grades: Bruno Fernando

By Dallin Duffy

ORLANDO, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 30: Bruno Fernando #24 of the Atlanta Hawks on the court between plays against the Orlando Magic in the third quarter at Amway Center on December 30, 2019 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry Aaron/Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 30: Bruno Fernando #24 of the Atlanta Hawks on the court between plays against the Orlando Magic in the third quarter at Amway Center on December 30, 2019 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry Aaron/Getty Images) /
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Handing out a grade for Atlanta Hawks rookie center Bruno Fernando.

When the Atlanta Hawks traded up to take Bruno Fernando in the second round of the 2019 NBA Draft, it seemed like a big win for the team. Many (including myself) had Fernando going in the first round, and his slip into the early second was a bit of a surprise.

The Hawks sent three future second-rounders to Philly for the rights to Fernando, the 34th pick, capping an already busy draft night for Atlanta. While the Maryland big man definitely took a backseat to De’Andre Hunter and Cam Reddish in terms of fan excitement, many were still happy to see Fernando land in the ATL.

It didn’t seem like he would have a big role as the season began, but with John Collins receiving a 25-game suspension just five games into the season, Fernando was forced into a larger role early on.

With that role, Bruno had some solid games. He scored 11 on 5-7 shooting in his third career game and recorded six rebounds in a career-high 20 minutes a week later.

His role slowly grew as the season went on and the Hawks’ roster was bitten by the injury bug, eventually becoming the nightly starter. He made his first career start on December 19th, and from that point on, his production plateaued.

He would have some good games, some bad games, but for the most part, he was just consistently ‘fine.’

He moved into a slightly lesser role when the team traded for Dewayne Dedmon, and with him and fellow center  Clint Capela set to be on the team next season, Bruno might slide down to the power forward position, which could be a helpful move.

In total, he averaged 4.3 points and 3.5 rebounds per game on a respectable 51 percent shooting. He tried to stretch the floor with a three, but no little success, making less than 15 percent of his deep shots.

His best game came in late January when Fernando secured his first and only (so far) double-double with 14 points and 12 rebounds while leaving the game with a plus/minus of +15.

He had moments as both a scorer and rebounder, but for the most part, struggled defensively. Sometimes feeling slow, the 6’9 center also lacked awareness at times and had a tendency to look lost on that end of the court.

It’s disappointing, as that was supposed to be a big plus for Fernando coming out of college, and hopefully the 21-year-old can improve on his D as he continues to develop in the league.

Season Grade: C-

Next. Season Grades: Dewayne Dedmon. dark

What grade would you give Bruno Fernando’s season with the Atlanta Hawks?

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