A Royal Pain
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The Sacramento Kings should give Wenyen Gabriel a contract

By Jonathan Roberts

SACRAMENTO, CA - JULY 3: Wenyen Gabriel #32 of the Sacramento Kings reacts during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers during Day 3 of the 2019 California Classic on July 3, 2019 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CA - JULY 3: Wenyen Gabriel #32 of the Sacramento Kings reacts during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers during Day 3 of the 2019 California Classic on July 3, 2019 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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After an incredible series of performances throughout the Summer League, the Sacramento Kings should sign Wenyen Gabriel.

After going undrafted in 2018, the Sacramento Kings signed Wenyen Gabriel to a two-way contract. Now, after an impressive Summer League, Gabriel is showing the team he deserves something a little more permanent.

In six games, Gabriel played 25.2 minutes and posted 15.3 points, 7.3 rebounds 1.3 blocks and shot 50% from the field and 42% from three. He also posted a player efficiency rating north of 21 and had a net rating over 13. In short, he was fantastic.

Gabriel’s ability to shoot and score at a high-clip are always valuable assets for a team, and for the Sacramento Kings — who like to run a pace-and-space offense — it could he invaluable.

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Now, Gabriel won’t make a massive impact with the team, but he could play the role of high-energy reserve and spot-defender in limited minutes for the Kings. Similar to Troy Williams last season, but a little more refined and impactful.

He’s also got the right mindset for it. Following the Kings’ 83-80 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday, Gabriel told the Sacramento Bee what his plan for Summer League was.

"“I’m Just trying to keep it simple here in Summer League and show I can complement the team,” Gabriel said. “So I’m out here trying to show my defensive ability and my switching ability and also my ability to shoot the ball as well.”"

He’s also gotten the attention if the coaching staff, with assistant coach Jesse Mermuys saying Gabriel has “been great for us,” and that “his energy is awesome.” It’s clear he’s on the team’s radar, and they’d be wise to add him.

The best part? He fills a need, however slight it may be. After letting Kosta Koufos go in free agency (we think), Gabriel could be a solid replacement for him, but with the added bonus of a plus-three-point shot.

He is still signed to his two-way contract for the 2019-20 season, but it’d be a shrewd and smart move to give him a serious look with the big-league club. Two-way players are limited to 45 days  at the NBA level, so the7 might opt to wait-and-see whether Gabriel can be an impact player in limited minutes early in the season.

Of course, the Kings are at 18 players and can only carry 15 to start the season, but cutting somebody like Caleb Swanigan and adding Gabriel (at least for training camp) seems like a wise idea.

Next. Kings’ Kyle Guy shines in Summer League. dark

The Sacramento Kings used the 55th overall pick on Virginia’s Kyle Guy for one reason: his shooting. If Gabriel can shoot at a high-clip but also provide some offense and — more importantly — defense, they shouldn’t have any second thoughts about signing him to a guaranteed deal for the 2019-20 season. Besides, it could go a long way in them recruiting future two-way players looking for the best opportunity to go pro.

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