Joe Mazzulla just announced the addition of a formidable new talent to further strengthen his team’s attack.
Wenyen Gabriel, a graduate of Kentucky, is allegedly going to sign a training camp deal with the Boston Celtics.
Shortly after the Celtics dealt big man Robert Williams III to the Portland Trail Blazers in exchange for Jrue Holiday, this news was released.
Although the 26-year-old was raised in Sudan, he attended local high schools in Massachusetts and New Hampshire.
Gabriel is now competing with Luke Kornet and Neemias Queta for a backup big man spot.
Gabriel was the leader in the blocks during the 2023 FIBA World Cup while he was representing South Sudan. After five games, Gabriel’s averages were 9.2 PPG and 6.8 RPG. For the first time in the team’s history, Gabriel and South Sudan have qualified for the Olympics in 2024.
Training camp for the Celtics starts on Tuesday, October 3.
REPORT: Career Breakdown of Former Los Angeles Lakers Big Man Wenyen Gabriel Signed by Boston Celtics
Wenyen Gabriel entered the 2018 NBA Draft following two seasons with the Kentucky Wildcats, however he was not selected.
Shortly after, he signed a free agent contract with the Sacramento Kings for the Summer League. Gabriel, though, missed out on a game that season.
The Kings traded Gabriel to the Trail Blazers in January 2020. On January 31, 2020, Gabriel made his first career start for the squad against the Lakers. Before fouling out in this game, Gabriel finished with six points, a rebound, an assist, and a block.
During the Trail Blazers’ playoff run that season, the former Kings big man participated in four games, starting two of them.
Gabriel was signed by the New Orleans Pelicans in November 2020. Gabriel was cut by the Pelicans prior to the 2020–21 season, after playing in 21 games for the team that year.
In October 2021, Gabriel became a member of the Wisconsin Herd, the G League affiliate of the Bucks.
A few months later, Gabriel signed a 10-day contract with the Brooklyn Nets. Gabriel would play for the squad in just one game and grab just one rebound.
Gabriel returned to the Wisconsin Herd in 2021–22, following a brief spell with the Los Angeles Clippers. But a week later, Gabriel was signed by the Pelicans once more. Before Gabriel could play a game for the Pelicans, the Herd reclaimed him, so his time with the team was brief.
The Lakers signed Gabriel to a two-way contract in March 2022, then in April, that deal was converted to a regular contract.
Gabriel averaged 5.5 points and 4.2 rebounds per game while shooting 59.6% from the field in 68 games for the Lakers.
Gabriel scored a career-high point in a 140-132 victory over the Houston Rockets on January 16, 2023. On 62.5 FG%, he tallied 14 points and nine rebounds. Gabriel also recorded a steal, one assist, and two blocks.
Why Did Gabriel Sign with the Celtics?
Although Gabriel has only played sporadic minutes in his career thus far, he has proven to be a reliable defender. Additionally, the team desperately needs depth at the big man position, particularly defensively, now that Williams III is no longer on the squad.
Gabriel’s opportunity to play as the Boston Celtics’ backup big man behind Kristaps Porzingis and Al Horford has now presented itself.
Gabriel is now a player to watch out for as the Celtics take on the Philadelphia 76ers in their first preseason game on October 8.
