Wenyen Gabriel could help energize the Chicago Bulls' frontcourt

The Bulls are in dire need of an energy boost this season.

© Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

With a 5-11 record, the Chicago Bulls are in dire need of an injection of energy. With the gloom and doom of a losing season, something needs to be done. Enter Wenyen Gabriel. The power forward out of Kentucky could help shake things up in the frontcourt and bring some much-needed energy to the team.

Frontcourt boost

As currently constructed, the Bulls have a frontcourt loaded with plodding big men, one-dimensional power forwards, and inexperienced rookies. While the 26-year-old will not fix all the Bulls’ problems, he will no doubt invigorate the team with his athleticism and high motor.

“The Chicago Bulls are struggling for wins, and while Gabriel may not solve all of their problems, he could bring some front-court connective energy the team may have lost with Derrick Jones Jr. leaving in free agency,” Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus wrote.

“Gabriel has length and always brings tremendous energy to the court. He's not as physically imposing as some of the league's powerful true centers, but he's more mobile. The Bulls have the roster space and should be able to stay under the luxury-tax threshold while adding a bit of a pick-me-up to their squad.”

Free agent big

Gabriel played a key role in the Los Angeles Lakers’ rotation last season. He played in 68 games and averaged 5.5 points and 4.2 rebounds per game. With Anthony Davis missing a huge chunk of games, Gabriel gamely stepped in to provide depth in the frontcourt.

“Wenyen Gabriel played a significant rotational role with the Los Angeles Lakers last season, helping the team get through an injury-plagued run to the playoffs. The 26-year-old made 10 low-minute postseason appearances, but the Lakers decided to go in a different direction this offseason,” Pincus shared as to why Gabriel remains a free agent this season.

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