French forward Guerschon Yabusele is poised to make a significant impact in his second stint in the NBA, as he is expected to sign a one-year, $2.1 million deal with the Philadelphia 76ers. His return to the league comes after a standout performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where he was France's second-leading scorer.
An Olympic Breakout Star
During the 2024 Paris Olympics, Yabusele averaged an impressive 14 points and 3.3 rebounds per game, showcasing a shooting efficiency of 52% from the field. His performance was instrumental in France's journey to the finals, particularly notable in the quarterfinals against Canada, where he scored 22 points, propelling France to the semifinals. His contributions continued in the gold-medal match against Team USA, where he scored 20 points, underscoring his ability to perform under pressure.
Initially coming off the bench, Yabusele's consistent performance earned him a promotion to the starting lineup, where he thrived as a key scoring option alongside Isaia Cordinier. Veterans Rudy Gobert and Evan Fournier struggled during the group stage, and Yabusele's emergence was a crucial factor in compensating for their shortcomings.
Leaving Real Madrid
Yabusele's move to the NBA marks the end of his tenure with Real Madrid, where he had one year left on his $2.5 million contract. He is currently working on a buyout agreement with the team. Over the past three seasons with Real Madrid, Yabusele developed into a versatile forward, known for his strength inside and his ability to shoot three-pointers.
His journey to Real Madrid came after stints in France and China following his initial entry into the NBA. Drafted 16th overall in the 2016 NBA Draft by the Boston Celtics, Yabusele's first run in the league saw him appear in just 74 games over two seasons. Averaging six minutes per game, he struggled to find his footing before being waived by the Celtics in the summer of 2019.
A Second Chance
With his impending return to the NBA, Yabusele expressed his readiness for this new chapter. "Been waiting for a 2nd chance.. I'm ready," he shared on X. The Philadelphia 76ers have placed their confidence in Yabusele's abilities and his potential to make a substantial impact on the team.
As Yabusele transitions back to the NBA, his performance at the Olympics has undoubtedly raised expectations. His growth as a player during his time in Europe, combined with his Olympic success, has prepared him well for this opportunity. The 76ers, recognizing his blend of inside strength and outside shooting, see him as a valuable addition to their roster.
Yabusele's journey is a testament to perseverance and development. From his early struggles in the NBA to becoming a key player for France at the Olympics and a standout in European basketball, his career trajectory has been one of continuous improvement. Fans and analysts alike will be keen to observe how he translates his recent success into the NBA and contributes to the 76ers' quest for glory.