re: Gabriel

FWIW, his draft write up coming out of Kentucky...

NBA Comparison: Charlie Villanueva

Strengths: 6’9 versatile forward … Good size and length on the perimeter … Runs the floor very well. Solid athleticism and good slashing ability. Effective use of jab step and solid first step … Has developed into a reliable shooter. Can score from multiple spots on the floor … Can knock down shots from three as well as from midrange … Plays well in pick and pop situations … Solid court vision. Can pass out of a drive … Can beat bigs off the dribble and get to the rim from the perimeter using crossovers and behind the back moves … Good ball handling ability, especially at his height. Solid foundation as a face up forward. Can score inside and out … Plays with good aggression and isn’t afraid of contact. Attacks the rim and forces contact well … Hustles, plays hard each and every possession he’s on the floor … Never quits on plays … Very active without the ball, works to get open … Good rebounder, attacks the glass on both ends. A double-double threat each game … Good shot blocking and altering ability … Good hands. Moves his feet very well for his size … Good defender on and off the ball … Smart kid who has picked up a lot in the past year and is very coachable … He figures to be a skilled face up 4 at the next level and benefits from the way the league is trending …

Weaknesses: A tweener who has to figure out what position he’s best equipped to play at the next level … Still skinny and weak at this point to play inside, and needs to add a lot of skill on the perimeter, his lateral speed is questionable … Raw skillset at this stage in his development. Doesn’t have much of a post-game and perimeter skills have a way to go. Doesn’t have an advanced half court offensive game. Doesn’t have many ways to get easy baskets outside of outhustling the opposition … Tends to force himself to the basket at times. More of a finesse finisher, rarely tries to dunk with opponents around even if he’s the tallest player on the floor … Leaves his feet a bit too much on defense, fouling on shot fakes and going over the back on rebounds … Slight frame, lacks strength in both the upper and lower body … He’s fluid and athletic but his movements are a bit choppy as he still needs to fill out and gain core strength …

Nothing against him .... I enjoyed reading the positive comments, but like most, see him as an end of bench player with limited upside.

Would rather use the $ 1.8 he would make next year to retain Willy.

Have a great day everyone !