Guerschon Yabusele Set to Join Philadelphia 76ers on One-Year Deal
French forward Guerschon Yabusele is making a significant move in his basketball career, as he is expected to sign a one-year, $2.1 million contract with the Philadelphia 76ers. This change marks his return to the NBA after a triumphant stint at the 2024 Paris Olympics and a fruitful period with Real Madrid.
The 2024 Paris Olympics proved to be a turning point for Yabusele, where he showcased his basketball prowess and emerged as France's second-leading scorer. Averaging 14 points and 3.3 rebounds per game, he achieved an impressive shooting efficiency of 52% from the field. His stellar performance was especially noteworthy during the quarterfinals against Canada, where he scored 22 points to secure France's advancement to the semifinals.
Yabusele's role evolved significantly throughout the Olympics. Initially starting from the bench, he quickly demonstrated his skills and earned a place in the starting lineup. His contributions, especially in the gold-medal match against Team USA where he scored 20 points, highlighted his importance to the team. This prominence was amplified by the struggles of veterans Rudy Gobert and Evan Fournier during the group stage, making Yabusele and Isaia Cordinier key scoring options for France.
With his impressive Olympic outing, the move to the 76ers signifies a fresh chapter in Yabusele's career. His previous NBA stint saw him drafted 16th overall in the 2016 NBA Draft by the Boston Celtics. However, that experience was brief, with Yabusele appearing in only 74 games over two seasons and averaging just six minutes per game before being waived by the Celtics in the summer of 2019.
Post-NBA, Yabusele's career trajectory took him to France and China, eventually leading him to Real Madrid, where he had one year left on his $2.5 million contract. Over the past three seasons, Yabusele transformed into a versatile forward, demonstrating his strength inside the paint and his proficiency at shooting three-pointers. His time at Real Madrid revealed his potential and adaptability, making him a valuable asset in the European leagues.
Yabusele is in the process of working out a buyout agreement for his remaining term with Real Madrid, facilitating his transition back to the NBA. His return is underscored by a sense of readiness and determination. As Yabusele expressed on social media, "Been waiting for a 2nd chance.. I'm ready."
The Philadelphia 76ers' decision to sign Yabusele underscores their confidence in his abilities and the impact he could potentially make on the team. Given his unique blend of strength, versatility, and shooting skill, Yabusele is poised to bring a fresh dynamic to the 76ers' roster.
For Yabusele, this opportunity with the 76ers is more than just a return to the NBA; it's a chance to cement his legacy and prove his worth on a global stage. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as he takes this significant step in his professional journey.