New York Knicks: Which Prospects Did NYK Scout At Kentucky Pro Day?

Wenyen Gabriel

Position: Forward
Age: 19 (3/26/1997)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’9.25″, 197 pounds, 7’1″
Standing Reach: 9’1″
Max Vertical Leap: 36.5″

Wenyen Gabriel hasn’t garnered as much NBA Draft hype as his fellow Kentucky Wildcats teammates. That doesn’t mean he won’t be a first-round draft pick, however, and that’s why the New York Knicks need to be ahead of the curve.

Gabriel is a smooth-shooting hybrid forward who can play multiple positions and defend at a high enough level to warrant first round hype.

Gabriel’s ability to consistently space the floor will make him an appealing draft target for all 30 NBA teams. He has the size to play power forward, which creates the potential for a role as a stretch 4 in Jeff Hornacek’s offense.

Gabriel’s long-term value may be at small forward, however, with the athleticism and defensive prowess to be of invaluable aid.

Gabriel projects to be able to defend players at shooting guard, small forward, and power forward. His energy is infectious and his motor unstoppable, which will appeal to defensive-minded general managers and head coaches around the NBA.

Gabriel could rise up draft boards rather quickly in 2016-17, but if he’s available in the mid-to-late first round, he’d be a quality target for the Knick.