5 Boston Celtics players fighting for a roster spot in the preseason

Wenyen Gabriel

Ask any Los Angeles Lakers fan what they think of Wenyen Gabriel, and you’d probably hear many laud his effort while calling out his lack of an offensive repertoire; particularly his lack of efficient floor-spacing. During his 87 appearances in purple and gold, Gabriel shot just 27% from beyond the arc.

That doesn’t mean Gabriel didn’t improve on the necessary aspects of his game he needed to, but he’s already coming in with a rough narrative surrounding him. Especially when juxtaposed against Queta, who is on a more development-friendly contract already. Unfortunately for Gabriel, he isn’t eligible for a two-way contract due to his years of service.

Lamar Stevens

Lamar Stevens, as the video embedded above illustrates, understands the assignment this preseason: make himself indispensable, because his Exhibit 9 contract status certainly doesn’t do that for him.

Luckily Stevens understands that. On a roster sporting Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Porzingis, there aren’t a ton of touches going around; but there is a need for role players to provide the little things defensively and on the offensive boards that make role players fan favorites.