Much like the New Orleans Pelicans rookies, the Toronto Raptors rookies get their share of hazing. This type of treatment towards the newcomers apparently happens up in Canada too.
Instead of making them carry around girly luggage, the Raptors vets were a bit more caring in that their gifts for the rooks will help keep them warm in the cold Canadian climate. Maybe they’ll stay warm, but that won’t keep their teammates from giving them as much grief possible.
Jonas Valanciunas, along with swingman Terrence Ross, had their fourth-year team options picked up by Toronto on Tuesday. Valanciunas celebrated by getting his rookie teammates some pretty awesome gifts for the upcoming winter season.
He posted this photo to Instagram Tuesday afternoon, saying “Winter is coming in Canada soon. Good thing rookies have warm hats :)) #RTZ #Raptors #WeTheNorth”.
The photo shows rookie first round draft pick in 2014 Bruno Caboclo and Lucas Nogueira, who was traded to the Raptors this summer along with Lou Williams. Nogueira was drafted in the first round in 2013 by the Dallas Mavericks from the Boston Celtics, who eventually traded his rights to the Atlanta Hawks. He spent last year playing in Spain.
Bruno Caboclo was perhaps the biggest surprise of the 2014 NBA Draft, going 20th overall to Toronto. If you don’t remember him, I’m sure you’ve heard of the description of him by Fran Fraschilla of ESPN: “He’s two years away from being two years away”.
Caboclo looks rather angry to be in the photo, but Nogueira looks like he’s embracing it and even modelling his new pink bunny hat.
Both rookies have signed a deal with Toronto, and figure to make the final roster once the regular season begins in just a couple of weeks. The Brazilians will be looking to prove themselves worthy of their high selections.
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