Wiz of Awes
Fansided

Three free agent big men the Wizards can sign right now

By Cem Yolbulan

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 09: Wenyen Gabriel #35 of the Los Angeles Lakers is fouled on his shot between Sandro Mamukelashvili #54 and Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks during the first half at Crypto.com Arena on February 09, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 09: Wenyen Gabriel #35 of the Los Angeles Lakers is fouled on his shot between Sandro Mamukelashvili #54 and Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks during the first half at Crypto.com Arena on February 09, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
(Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) /

Wenyen Gabriel

Another University of Kentucky product, Gabriel didn’t have the same level of hype Nerlens Noel did coming into the league. However, despite going undrafted in 2018, he managed to carve out a role for himself in the NBA, playing a bench role for the Los Angeles Lakers for the past two seasons.

Gabriel does not have elite size or rim protection ability, but he has an intriguing skill set. He has long arms and impressive mobility, allowing him to be active on the boards and in the paint. He is a competitive, high-energy type of player. Considering how much the Wizards have struggled to find their competitive spirit so far in the season, bringing a hard worker like Gabriel could have an outsized impact on the team.

Originally from South Sudan and a member of their national team, Gabriel is still only 26 years old. He doesn’t have a lot of NBA experience, so consistent minutes on a rebuilding team could also help develop him. Plus, he has the building blocks of an NBA big man. He can make plays as a roll man, he has good bounce and can finish around the rim thanks to his length and athleticism. He has even experimented with shooting the three. That could be a still the Wizards might want to develop.

Once again, a player of Gabriel’s caliber isn’t going to change the fate of the Wizards. However, in a bench role, he is better than what Washington currently has, and that could make this team harder to play against.

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