The Celtics waived big man Wenyen Gabriel on Friday, according to The Athletic’s Shams Charania, which opened a roster spot for the team as Wednesday’s season opener nears.
Gabriel was signed earlier this month as a potential frontcourt depth option but the Kentucky product – who played last season with the Lakers – only played in three preseason games and was passed over for playing time by other big men. The Celtics now have 14 players on their roster which gives them some flexibility to add.
“It’s always tough to see guys go,” Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla said. “I think Wenyen gave us everything he had and brought a great attitude and spirit and competitiveness to training camp.”
The cut of Gabriel may be factored in by the emergence of Neemias Queta, the Portuguese big man who has opened eyes with his strong play in the preseason. With Al Horford not making the trip to Charlotte, Queta was the first big off the bench for Thursday’s preseason finale – ahead of Luke Kornet – and impressed again with 12 points and seven rebounds, including five on the offensive glass, in 13 minutes.
Queta is on a two-way contract with the Celtics but his play this preseason has certainly made the case for him to potentially earn a role in Boston this season.
“It seems to me the game comes easy to him, especially around the basket,” Horford said. “He has a really good feel for finishing and just rebounding and just kind of being there in the right place, right time type thing. So that’s been the impressive part to me. He’s a bigger guy, he can finish pretty well, at the rim so that’s been the most impressive.”
