2016 Summer League Player Report: Kenny Gabriel
Kenny Gabriel’s Strengths
Three-point shooting is a potential strength of Gabriel’s that when combined with his size, strength and post ability, will allow him to carve out a niche as an all-around forward in the NBA.
Though he only shot 27.5 percent from three-point range in his time in the Las Vegas Summer League circuit with the Cavs, Gabriel shot 54.5 percent from three-point range in Orlando with the Heat.
In Euroleague action, Gabriel has shot 35.7 percent from his career. The NBA is said to hold true to the law of averages, in which case Gabriel shoots slightly above-average from three-point distance.
Live Feed
Sir Charles In Charge
Gabriel has solid court vision and is able to make difficult and intelligent passes. Playing within the team concept shouldn’t be hard for Gabriel. During the Summer League, Gabriel wasn’t always visible. That’s because he made plays within the flow of the offense and didn’t make many defensive mistakes. Often Gabriel was found spotting up for a three or passing it swiftly as the ball came to him if he wasn’t open from three.
At 27, Gabriel is in his physical prime as a NBA player. Offensively, Gabriel is able to stick with small forwards and throw down dunks like any wing player. Gabriel is needed on a team that only has a few players that can catch lobs and attack the defense off guard with cuts and threats of his above-the-rim ability.
As a weakside help-defender, Gabriel’s size and athleticism will allow the Cavaliers to have a forward that can help during breakdowns in defensive possessions. As a senior at Auburn University, Gabriel averaged 2.3 blocks per game.
In addition, Gabriel also plays strong on the glass, closing out defensive possessions by crashing the boards. This trait is another that will allow Gabriel to have success that translates in the NBA, as three-point shooting and rebounding are two basketball skills translate well despite the advanced level of competition.
Next: Kenny Gabriel's Weaknesses