French forward Guerschon Yabusele is set to make a return to the NBA, signing a one-year, $2.1 million deal with the Philadelphia 76ers. Yabusele’s performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics has caught the attention of the basketball world, leading to significant moves both for him personally and professionally.
Olympics Performance Shines Light
Yabusele was a standout performer at the 2024 Paris Olympics, emerging as France's second-leading scorer. Averaging 14 points and 3.3 rebounds per game, he showcased his efficiency with a 52% shooting accuracy from the field. His pivotal role became evident during the quarterfinals against Canada, where he scored an impressive 22 points to help France advance to the semifinals. In the gold-medal match against Team USA, Yabusele further solidified his prominence by adding 20 points to the scoreboard.
The Olympics also marked a significant shift in Yabusele’s role within the team. Initially starting on the bench, he was promoted to the starting lineup and, along with Isaia Cordinier, became a key scoring option for France. This rise was crucial as veterans Rudy Gobert and Evan Fournier struggled during the group stage.
Departure from Real Madrid
Yabusele’s professional journey will see him leaving Real Madrid, where he had one year remaining on a $2.5 million contract. Negotiations are currently underway for a buyout agreement. Over the past three seasons, Yabusele has developed into a versatile forward at Real Madrid, known for his strength inside the paint and his ability to shoot three-pointers.
The move to the 76ers marks Yabusele’s second stint in the NBA. Drafted 16th overall in the 2016 NBA Draft by the Boston Celtics, his initial run in the league was less than stellar. Appearing in just 74 games over two seasons, he averaged six minutes per game before being waived by the Celtics in the summer of 2019. Post-Celtics, Yabusele honed his skills in France and China before his tenure with Real Madrid.
Looking Ahead to Philadelphia
Yabusele’s signing with the 76ers is a testament to Philadelphia’s confidence in his abilities and potential to impact the team. Known for his strong presence inside and his shooting range, Yabusele brings a combination of skill sets that could be crucial for the 76ers in the upcoming season. His readiness for this second chance in the NBA is encapsulated in his own words, "Been waiting for a 2nd chance.. I'm ready," as shared on his X account.
As Yabusele returns to the NBA, he carries the promise of lessons learned and experiences gained from his international play and previous NBA tenure. With the Philadelphia 76ers placing their faith in him, all eyes will be on how Yabusele leverages this opportunity to make a lasting impact.