New York Knicks: 2018 NBA Draft sleepers to watch in the Sweet 16

Age: 20 (3/26/1997)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’9″, 205 pounds, 6’11”
Slash Line: .448/.404/.618
Season Averages: 23.0 MPG, 6.9 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 1.8 ORPG, 1.1 BPG, 0.8 SPG, 1.2 3PM

When Wenyen Gabriel signed on to play for the Kentucky Wildcats in 2016, most expected him to be a first-round draft pick. He garnered late lottery hype before the season, due in large part to his combination of athleticism and defensive versatility.

If the 2018 NCAA Tournament is a sign of things to come, then Gabriel could soon realize his potential as a dynamic stretch 4 at the next level.

Gabriel has an ideal combination of size, strength, length, and athleticism for a power forward in the modern NBA. His wingspan may not blow you away, but he’s quick to the ball on defense and willing to get physical in the post.

Gabriel has even flashed potential as a defensive playmaker, with the leaping ability to contest shots at the rim and active hands to create turnovers.

Offensively, Gabriel has the combination of energy and shooting range to be a high-level stretch 4. He’s a workhorse on the offensive glass when he’s asked to be, as well as a marksman who has made 14 three-point field goals over the past five games—all of which were in tournament play.

As the New York Knicks look for an athletic big who can play alongside Kristaps Porzingis, it’s hard to view Gabriel as anything but a project worth looking into.