French basketball forward Guerschon Yabusele is stepping back onto the NBA stage, with expectations high as he prepares to sign a one-year, $2.1 million deal with the Philadelphia 76ers. Yabusele, who recently showcased his talents at the 2024 Paris Olympics, has caught the attention of the NBA once again with his stellar performances.
Yabusele was a pivotal player for the French national team during the Paris Olympics, emerging as France's second-leading scorer. He averaged an impressive 14 points and 3.3 rebounds per game, maintaining a shooting efficiency of 52% from the field. His contributions were most notable in the quarterfinals against Canada, where he scored 22 crucial points, propelling France into the semifinals. Originally starting the tournament on the bench, his performance earned him a promotion to the starting lineup, a testament to his resilience and capability.
Veteran players Rudy Gobert and Evan Fournier faced struggles during the group stage, which created an opportunity for Yabusele and Isaia Cordinier to step up. Together, they became key scoring options for the team. Yabusele made a significant impact in the gold-medal match against Team USA, scoring 20 points in a valiant effort that underscored his ability to perform on the world’s biggest stage.
Yabusele's imminent move to the Philadelphia 76ers marks the end of his tenure with Real Madrid, where he had one year remaining on a $2.5 million contract. He is currently negotiating a buyout of this contract. His time at Real Madrid was marked by substantial growth; over the past three seasons, he developed into a versatile forward known for his strength inside and his ability to shoot three-pointers.
This will be Yabusele's second stint in the NBA. He was originally drafted 16th overall in the 2016 NBA Draft by the Boston Celtics. However, his first run in the league was less than stellar, as he appeared in just 74 games over two seasons, averaging six minutes per game. Eventually, he was waived by the Celtics in the summer of 2019. Following his departure from the NBA, Yabusele refined his game in France and China before eventually joining Real Madrid, where he honed the skills that have now caught the eye of the 76ers.
The 76ers' decision to bring Yabusele onboard is a strategic one, fueled by confidence in his abilities and potential to make a significant impact on the team. Yabusele himself is eager for this new chapter in his career, expressing his readiness on social media: "Been waiting for a 2nd chance.. I'm ready."
Yabusele's journey from a benched player to a critical component in France's Olympic campaign illustrates his growth and resilience. His return to the NBA is not just a personal triumph but also a testament to the potential that has been harnessed and refined through years of international play.
For the Philadelphia 76ers, Yabusele’s signing could represent a valuable addition to their roster, offering both experienced international play and a renewed drive to succeed in the NBA. The team will look to leverage his internal strength and shooting prowess as they aim to make a deep run in the upcoming season. As Yabusele steps onto the court once more, all eyes will be on how this second chance unfolds.