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Bruno Caboclo dismissed from Team Brazil; apologizes for misconduct

Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports / Reuters

The Toronto Raptors' long-term wing project Bruno Caboclo was once charitably described as the "Brazilian Kevin Durant," but in terms of hyperbolic comparables, perhaps "Brazilian Scottie Pippen" is more apt.

Just as Pippen infamously chose to do during his Chicago Bulls tenure, Caboclo refused to re-enter the game Saturday while playing for Team Brazil at the FIBA AmeriCup, which has led to the 21-year-old's dismissal from the team, according to Basquete 360's Colin Foster.

Caboclo had reportedly grown discontent with the rotation decisions of Brazilian coach Cesar Guidetti after being substituted nine minutes into the team's game against Mexico.

The youngster had a promising start to group-stage play, finishing with 11 points, 11 rebounds, three assists, three 3-pointers, and a steal against host Colombia while playing 37 out of 40 possible minutes, which may have raised his expectations of playing time.

Brazilian technical director Renato Lamas described the event as an "act of indiscipline."

Caboclo posted a bilingual apology Sunday morning to the Brazilian Basketball Federation, stating he will "humbly accept the consequences" for his insubordination.

" Eu Quero me desculpar com a Confederação Brasileira de Basquete pela minha conduta durante o jogo da noite passada. Respeito meus treinadores e colegas, e deixei que minhas emoções entrassem no caminho dos objetivos da nossa equipe. É uma honra representar o país que amo e humildemente aceito as consequências para as minhas ações. Estou crescendo como um profissional a cada dia e me esforçando para tornar os meus fãs, companheiros de equipe, país e família orgulhosos ". • • • • • • • "I want to apologize to the Brazilian Basketball Federation for my conduct during last night’s game. I respect my coaches/teammates and disappointed that my emotions got in the way of our team’s goals. It’s an honor to represent the country I love and will humbly accept the consequences for my actions. I am growing as a professional each day and striving to make my fans, teammates, country and family proud."

A post shared by Bruno Caboclo (@brunofive) on

- With h/t to Raptors Republic

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