French basketball forward Guerschon Yabusele is set to begin a new chapter in his career, as he is expected to sign a one-year, $2.1 million deal with the Philadelphia 76ers. This move marks Yabusele's return to the NBA, having last played in the league for the Boston Celtics, who drafted him 16th overall in the 2016 NBA Draft.
Yabusele's Return to the NBA
Yabusele's previous NBA stint was brief and underwhelming. During his time with the Celtics, he appeared in just 74 games over two seasons, averaging a mere six minutes per game before being waived in the summer of 2019. Despite the rocky start to his NBA career, Yabusele's journey since leaving the Celtics has been nothing short of remarkable.
European Success and Olympic Brilliance
After his departure from the NBA, Yabusele played in France and China before finding a home with Real Madrid. Over the past three seasons in Madrid, he developed into a versatile forward, known for his strength inside and his ability to shoot three-pointers. This evolution in his game caught the attention of the 76ers, who are confident in his capabilities and potential impact on their roster.
His performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics showcased his growth as a player. Yabusele was initially on the bench but was promoted to the starting lineup, where he thrived, averaging 14 points and 3.3 rebounds per game. Most notably, Yabusele shot an impressive 52% from the field, becoming France's second-leading scorer in the tournament.
Key Moments in Paris
Yabusele had several standout performances during the Olympics, solidifying his reputation as a clutch player. In the quarterfinals against Canada, he scored 22 points, playing a crucial role in helping France advance to the semifinals. His consistency continued into the gold-medal match against Team USA, where he contributed 20 points, further underscoring his value on the international stage.
While veterans Rudy Gobert and Evan Fournier struggled during the group stage, Yabusele, alongside Isaia Cordinier, emerged as key scoring options for France. Their combined efforts were instrumental in the team's success throughout the tournament.
Transition to Philadelphia
As Yabusele prepares to join the 76ers, he leaves behind his tenure with Real Madrid, where he still had one year remaining on his $2.5 million contract. He is currently working on a buyout agreement to finalize his move. This transition marks his second chance in the NBA, a journey he seems eagerly anticipative for, as evidenced by his recent post on X: "Been waiting for a 2nd chance.. I'm ready."
Conclusion
The 76ers' signing of Yabusele is a testament to their belief in his refined skills and potential to contribute significantly to their team. With his robust inside presence and proficiency beyond the arc, Yabusele aims to make a meaningful impact in the league that once eluded him. His performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics has certainly set the stage for what could be a promising return to the NBA.
Yabusele's journey carries a sense of redemption and determination, and the upcoming season will be pivotal in shaping his legacy. As Philadelphia welcomes this evolved player, the basketball world will be watching to see how Yabusele's second act unfolds.