2016 Summer League Player Report: Kenny Gabriel
Kenny Gabriel’s Weaknesses
Three-point consistency will be key for Gabriel moving forward because if he can knock down those attempts consistently, he has many other solid basketball traits that will allow him to develop into more of an all-around player in the NBA.
The Cavaliers, and other teams, would be more than willing to give Gabriel regular minutes if he knocked down those shots because of the spacing effect power forwards provide as deep threats. With players such as Kyrie Irving and LeBron James on the roster, Gabriel’s ability to shoot the three could determine how many players he can push for minutes.
More from Cavs Analysis
- Cavaliers’ Darius Garland should continue to improve in this area
- The Cavaliers may have snagged a hidden gem in Craig Porter Jr.
- This stat is one to keep an eye on for Cavaliers’ Max Strus in years ahead
- Projecting how much Cavs’ 3 two-way signings might play this season
- 4 Cavaliers looking to make a name for themselves in training camp
Gabriel’s real weakness is his ball-handling ability. He’s able to attack off of straight-line drives, but isn’t able to consistently create a shot for himself.
For this reason, Gabriel will likely play a lot of both forward spots. In the same vein, Gabriel doesn’t make many shots off-the-dribble and despite his athleticism, wouldn’t see much time at the shooting guard spot in his playing career, if any, despite being called a “big wing shooter” by Cavaliers assistant general manager Trent Redden.
Defensively, Gabriel is too thin to consistently guard power forwards, though he’s not a good enough ball-handler or consistent enough three-point shooter to warrant more minutes at small forward offensively.
Gabriel also doesn’t come away with a lot of steals, though not because of defensive effort or technique. Gabriel just isn’t a player with quick hands or cerebral instincts defensively. Outside of weakside rim-protection and playing within the team concept Gabriel’s defensive impact is minimal.
Gabriel also lacks intensity on this end and will have to consistently close out on shooters to deserve minutes in the NBA.
Next: Finding A Fit