Bruno Caboclo
A uniquely athletic Brazilian forward whose 'two years away from being two years away' draft tag became a defining NBA meme.
Born 1995 (age 31)·Brazilian basketball player·Birthday: September 21·Millennials
Biography
Bruno Caboclo entered the NBA spotlight shrouded in both mystery and hyperbole. When the Toronto Raptors selected him in the first round of the 2014 draft, a television analyst famously described the exceptionally long-limbed teenager as 'two years away from being two years away,' a phrase that would haunt and define his early career. Hailing from São Paulo, his physical tools—a towering height with a wingspan over seven feet—were undeniable, but his game was strikingly undeveloped for the league's pace. Years of shuffling between the NBA, its developmental league, and brief international stints followed, a patient project that saw flashes of his potential in highlight-reel blocks and three-point shots. While he never solidified a steady NBA role, Caboclo evolved into a effective player in top European leagues, his story reflecting the high-risk, high-reward nature of international scouting and the enduring power of a perfect, if burdensome, soundbite.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Bruno was born in 1995, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Bruno Was Born
The biggest hits of 1995
#1 Movie
Toy Story
Best Picture
Braveheart
#1 TV Show
Seinfeld
Bruno's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1995Born
Oklahoma City bombing; Windows 95 released
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $96,500Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Gangsta's Paradise" — CoolioBest Picture: Braveheart
2000Started school
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2008Became a teenager
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2011Could drive
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2013Could vote
Edward Snowden reveals NSA surveillance programs
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $152,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Thrift Shop" — Macklemore & Ryan LewisBest Picture: 12 Years a Slave
2016Turned 21
Donald Trump elected president; Brexit vote
Gas: $2.14/galHome: $181,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Love Yourself" — Justin BieberBest Picture: Moonlight
2025Turned 30
AI agents go mainstream
Gas: $3.10/galHome: $385,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"APT." — Rose & Bruno Mars
2026Age 31 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Was a first-round pick (20th overall) by the Toronto Raptors in the 2014 NBA Draft.
- Won the NBA G League championship and was named Finals MVP with the Raptors 905 in 2017.
- Led the Spanish ACB League in blocks per game during the 2021-22 season while playing for Valencia Basket.
- Has represented the Brazilian national team in multiple FIBA international competitions.
Did You Know?
His 7'7" wingspan was longer than that of many established NBA centers at the time of his draft.
He did not start playing organized basketball until he was 15 years old.
He speaks four languages: Portuguese, English, Spanish, and Italian.
The 'two years away' quote was said by ESPN's Fran Fraschilla during the draft broadcast.
“They said I was a project; I worked until the project was finished.”
