Yabusele Set for Second NBA Stint with Philadelphia 76ers
French forward Guerschon Yabusele is making a return to the NBA, signing a one-year, $2.1 million deal with the Philadelphia 76ers, marking a significant moment in the athlete’s career. Yabusele, who showcased his talents at the 2024 Paris Olympics, will bring his enhanced skills and experience to the team, looking to make a noteworthy impact.
Impressive Olympic Performance
Yabusele’s performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics turned heads as he emerged as France’s second-leading scorer, averaging 14 points and 3.3 rebounds per game with a shooting efficiency of 52% from the field. Notably, he played a crucial role in the quarterfinals against Canada, scoring 22 points to help France advance to the semifinals.
Starting the tournament on the bench, Yabusele quickly demonstrated his value, earning a spot in the starting lineup. His rise came at a time when veterans like Rudy Gobert and Evan Fournier struggled during the group stage, and Yabusele, alongside Isaia Cordinier, stepped up as key scoring options for the French team. In the highly anticipated gold-medal match against Team USA, Yabusele held his own, scoring an impressive 20 points.
From Real Madrid to Philadelphia
Yabusele’s journey to the 76ers involves leaving Real Madrid, where he still had one year remaining on his $2.5 million contract. He is currently working on a buyout agreement to facilitate his move to the NBA. Over the past three seasons with Real Madrid, Yabusele has developed into a versatile forward, known for his strength inside and his ability to shoot three-pointers. This versatility and skillset undoubtedly caught the attention of the Philadelphia 76ers.
Second Chance in the NBA
This will be Yabusele's second stint in the NBA, having been drafted 16th overall by the Boston Celtics in the 2016 NBA Draft. However, his initial run in the NBA was less than stellar; he appeared in just 74 games over two seasons, averaging six minutes per game. The Celtics waived him in the summer of 2019, prompting Yabusele to ply his trade overseas, playing in France and China before signing with Real Madrid.
Yabusele, reflecting on his NBA journey, shared his excitement on social media, saying, "Been waiting for a 2nd chance.. I'm ready." His eagerness to return to the NBA is palpable, and the 76ers’ confidence in his abilities suggests he is well-prepared to make the most of this opportunity.
The Philadelphia 76ers’ decision to sign Yabusele stems from their belief in his potential to make a significant impact on the team. Given his recent performances and improvements, Yabusele is poised to add depth and versatility to the 76ers' roster, bringing with him the experience and resilience he has cultivated in recent years.
Overall, Yabusele’s return to the NBA with the Philadelphia 76ers marks a new chapter in his career, infused with the hope and determination of a player ready to prove his worth on one of basketball's biggest stages.