3 players the Milwaukee Bucks should target with hardship exception
By Dalton Sell
The Milwaukee Bucks could target Wenyen Gabriel with their hardship exception
Most Bucks fans are likely not familiar with Wenyen Gabriel, but they should be as he is currently playing stellar basketball down in the G-League for the Wisconsin Herd. The 24-year-old center is averaging 13.9 points, 8.6 rebounds, 1.1 assists, and a pair of blocked shots per game as he has quickly turned into a key piece for Milwaukee’s G-League affiliate. With the team short-handed on centers, Gabriel could be a justifiable option to look at, especially since he is already connected to the organization.
Gabriel would fit like a glove with the Bucks. Defensively, the 6-foot-9 center is showing that he can be a formidable shot-blocker, which would help Milwaukee tremendously with Lopez, Portis, and Antetokounmpo not in the current equation. He would help keep this outstanding interior defense intact for the Bucks as they await reinforcements.
Offensively, Gabriel would do most of his damage close to the hoop, but he has also shown that he has some range in his arsenal. He is currently shooting 12-of-31 (38.7 percent) from behind the arc with the Herd. Although it is not the most prominent aspect of his game, he can keep defenses on their toes with that shot. Given how much the Bucks embrace their big men letting it fly, Gabriel would be a perfect fit.
If the Bucks want to stay in-house to fix their current roster issues, there is not a better answer available than turning to Gabriel. The undrafted center has shown potential throughout his career, and perhaps Milwaukee could be the place where he finally puts it all together.