Skal Labissiere makes NBA comeback returning to the NBA after a hiatus since 2020, former University of Kentucky forward Skal Labissiere is poised for a comeback in the upcoming 2023-24 season. Notably, he is making his return to the team where he initially embarked on his professional journey.
Standing at 6 feet 10 inches tall and weighing 235 pounds, the skilled big man from Port-au-Prince, Haiti has recently agreed to a partially guaranteed one-year agreement with the Sacramento Kings, as conveyed by his agent to Shams Charania of The Athletic. Remarkably, this is the same franchise that selected him in the first round of the 2016 NBA Draft.
Skal Labissiere Makes NBA Comeback: A Look at The Journey
Labissiere spent a significant portion of his career—three seasons—in Sacramento, amassing an average of 8.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.0 assist in 18.5 minutes per game across 106 matches, including 40 starts. His most notable performance occurred during his rookie season in 2016-17, where he showcased career-best stats of 8.8 points and 4.9 rebounds in 33 games, with 12 starts.
His subsequent journey took him to the Portland Trail Blazers in the 2018-19 season, where he contributed an average of 5.3 points and 4.5 rebounds per game in 42 appearances. However, a trade in February 2020 led him to the Atlanta Hawks, although he didn’t play any games during his short tenure there.
Subsequently entering free agency during that summer, Labissiere’s path led him to the New York Knicks in December 2020. Unfortunately, he was waived merely two days after signing. He then joined the Westchester Knicks, the franchise’s G League affiliate, and participated in nine games to conclude the season.
Skal Labissiere makes NBA comeback, His journey extended beyond the United States. He joined Cangrejeros de Santurce of the Baloncesto Superior Nacional in Puerto Rico in March 2022. After a year with the franchise, he transitioned to the Mexico City Capitanes of the G League in March 2023. He later signed with Grises de Humacao of the BSL just a month later.
Undoubtedly, Labissiere’s professional basketball journey has been marked by unpredictability. Nonetheless, it has led him back to the NBA, returning to the place where his professional career initially began—Sacramento.
Labissiere’s Time at Kentucky
His professional trajectory mirrors his time in college, characterized by both intrigue and diversity. Labissiere’s association with the University of Kentucky dates back to his recruitment in the class of 2015. During this time, he garnered attention as a potential top pick in the NBA Draft, drawing parallels to Anthony Davis. Renowned for his height, athleticism, versatility, shot-blocking prowess, and smooth face-up style, he displayed flashes of brilliance, earning recognition as a two-time SEC Freshman of the Week.
However, his one-year tenure at Kentucky was marked by sporadic consistency. Despite his status as a former five-star prospect, Labissiere’s averages stood at 6.6 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks, with a field goal percentage of 51.6%.
Despite mixed evaluations, Labissiere opted to declare for the 2016 NBA Draft, a decision that paid dividends. Selected as the 28th overall pick in the first round, he embarked on a successful career with the Sacramento Kings, illustrating the potential that was initially glimpsed during his time at Kentucky.
Comments