Panathinaikos is actively pursuing the acquisition of Wenyen Gabriel from Maccabi Tel Aviv following the severe injury sustained by Mathias Lessort, the team’s key center, which leaves the Greek club scrambling for alternatives.
Recent reports indicate the intensity of Panathinaikos' interest, especially after Lessort suffered a fractured fibula during the game at OAKA Stadium on December 19, 2024. The injury, which will sideline the French player for approximately four months, has spurred the team to urgently seek another center.
According to the Israeli journalist Arel Ginsber, "Panathinaikos has started talks with Maccabi Tel Aviv for Wenyen Gabriel!" This statement highlights the seriousness of negotiations as the club looks to bolster its roster for the second half of the EuroLeague season. Gabriel, 27, stands at 2.06 meters and fits the profile of the player Panathinaikos needs to replace Lessort's defensive and offensive contributions.
Meanwhile, Sotiris Vetakis emphasized on social media, "Wenyen Gabriel seems to be the No. 1 target for Panathinaikos for the position of the injured Lessort." His remarks come at a pivotal moment as Panathinaikos considers its strategy moving forward. The urgency is compounded by the December 25 deadline for registering players from within the EuroLeague, making it imperative for both clubs to finalize any potential transfer swiftly.
Wenyen Gabriel has gathered considerable experience, having played five seasons across various NBA teams, such as the Sacramento Kings and the Los Angeles Lakers, before signing with Maccabi Tel Aviv this past summer. Over the course of his career, he has appeared in 166 NBA games, averaging 4.4 points and 3.4 rebounds.
This season, Gabriel has participated in nine EuroLeague matches, averaging 5.8 points along with 4.7 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game. His statistics reflect his capability and potential value to Panathinaikos, especially considering he has demonstrated significant performance under pressure.
Gabriel, who originally hails from South Sudan, found his way to American basketball as a refugee. He attended the University of Kentucky, where he honed his skills before entering the NBA draft. His past experience and height make him not only suitable for the role left by Lessort but also align well with the defensive needs of Panathinaikos.
The backdrop of this pursuit includes Maccabi Tel Aviv's recent roster movements. The Israeli club is reportedly welcoming Trevion Williams, another center acquired to strengthen their frontcourt. This upcoming shift could allow them the flexibility to part ways with Gabriel, making him accessible for Panathinaikos.
Should the transfer materialize, it would mark a significant moment for Gabriel, who has shown tenacity and skill throughout his career. It would also deepen the competitive nature of the EuroLeague as Panathinaikos aims to solidify its standing for the current season.
Moving forward, both clubs face pressure; Panathinaikos is driven by the need to fill the significant void left by Lessort, whereas Maccabi Tel Aviv balances its roster needs against potential player losses. The basketball community will be watching closely as talks progress.
Transfers of this nature can significantly alter the dynamics within the league. For Panathinaikos, acquiring Gabriel would not only address immediate concerns but also send strong signals about their ambitions this season. Fans and analysts alike will be eager to see how these discussions transpire leading up to the deadline.
