Wenyen Gabriel’s Brief Stint with the Boston Celtics Ends in Surprising Fashion
Former Lakers Forward Waived Despite Strong Preseason Hopes
In the ever-competitive world of the NBA, the journeyman’s path can be relentless. The story of former Los Angeles Lakers power forward/center Wenyen Gabriel serves as a testament to the unpredictable nature of the league. As the training camp season began, Gabriel joined the Boston Celtics with hopes of securing a coveted spot on the roster. However, as the dust settled, his journey took an unexpected turn.
Key Takeaways:
- Wenyen Gabriel, known for his athleticism and shot-blocking abilities, signed with the Boston Celtics in the hope of bolstering their frontcourt depth.
- Despite his promising preseason performance, Gabriel was waived by the Celtics, surprising many in the basketball world.
- The emergence of Neemias Queta and the presence of Luke Kornet on the roster left no room for Gabriel in Boston’s rotation.
As reported by renowned NBA analyst Shams Charania, Gabriel’s tenure with the Celtics was abruptly cut short. This decision raised eyebrows, considering Gabriel’s prior experience as an NBA professional. During his time with the Los Angeles Lakers, he showcased his skills by appearing in 68 games, averaging 5.5 points and 4.2 rebounds per game with an impressive field goal percentage of .647.
The Celtics, boasting a formidable top seven in their rotation, including stars like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, seemed poised for a strong season. However, the depth behind these key players became a question mark, especially in the frontcourt. With Kristaps Porzingis, Al Horford, and others rounding out the top tier, Gabriel faced stiff competition for a roster spot.
Ultimately, it was the emergence of Utah State product Neemias Queta, hailing from Portugal, that seemed to seal Gabriel’s fate. Queta’s unexpected rise and the presence of Luke Kornet left the Celtics with little room for Gabriel, resulting in his release.
As the Boston Celtics prepare to open their regular season on October 25th against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden, the unexpected turn in Wenyen Gabriel’s journey serves as a stark reminder of the challenges and uncertainties that NBA players, particularly journeymen, face throughout their careers.
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