French forward Guerschon Yabusele is set to make a significant return to the NBA, with expectations high as he signs a one-year, $2.1 million deal with the Philadelphia 76ers.
A Strong Showing in Paris
Yabusele's contract comes on the heels of an impressive performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where he emerged as a standout player for France. He became the team's second-leading scorer, averaging 14 points and 3.3 rebounds per game. His shooting efficiency was notable, as he made 52% of his shots from the field.
One of Yabusele's most memorable moments in the tournament came during the quarterfinals against Canada. In that game, he scored 22 points, propelling France to a victory that secured their place in the semifinals. He continued his strong performance in the gold-medal match against Team USA, scoring 20 points despite France falling short of the gold.
Rising to the Occasion
Throughout the Olympics, Yabusele demonstrated his value to the French team. Initially coming off the bench, he was promoted to the starting lineup as veterans Rudy Gobert and Evan Fournier struggled during the group stage. Alongside Isaia Cordinier, Yabusele became a key scoring option, showing his versatility and ability to deliver under pressure.
Reflecting on his journey, Yabusele took to social media to express his readiness for this new chapter in his career, stating, "Been waiting for a 2nd chance.. I'm ready."
A Second Stint in the NBA
This upcoming season with the 76ers will mark Yabusele's second stint in the NBA. Drafted 16th overall in the 2016 NBA Draft by the Boston Celtics, he played in just 74 games over two seasons. During this period, he averaged six minutes per game before being waived by the Celtics in the summer of 2019.
After leaving the NBA, Yabusele continued his professional career in France and China before securing a spot with Real Madrid. Over the past three seasons, he developed into a versatile forward, known for his strength inside and his ability to shoot three-pointers. His growth as a player at Real Madrid caught the attention of the 76ers, leading to the current deal despite having one year left on his $2.5 million contract with the Spanish team. Yabusele is currently working on a buyout agreement to finalize his move to Philadelphia.
Impact on the Philadelphia 76ers
The 76ers see great potential in Yabusele and believe that his blend of strength and shooting ability will have a positive impact on the team. As he joins the ranks of the 76ers, fans and analysts alike will be watching to see how Yabusele adapts to the NBA once again and contributes to his new team.
Yabusele's return to the NBA and his journey from the Celtics to Real Madrid, and now to the 76ers, showcases his resilience and dedication to the sport. His recent performances, especially at the Paris Olympics, suggest that he is ready to take on this new challenge and make a noticeable impact in the upcoming season.