French forward Guerschon Yabusele is on the brink of returning to the NBA, poised to sign a one-year, $2.1 million deal with the Philadelphia 76ers. This move comes in the wake of his stellar performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where he emerged as France's second-leading scorer and displayed remarkable versatility and efficiency.
A Stellar Olympic Performance
Yabusele's performance at the Paris Olympics was nothing short of impressive. Averaging 14 points and 3.3 rebounds per game, the forward showcased his scoring prowess and efficiency, shooting a notable 52% from the field. His contributions were pivotal, especially during the quarterfinals against Canada, where he poured in 22 points to propel France into the semifinals.
Initially coming off the bench, Yabusele's consistent play earned him a spot in the starting lineup. Alongside Isaia Cordinier, he became a key scoring option for the French team, particularly as veterans Rudy Gobert and Evan Fournier struggled during the group stage. In the gold-medal match against Team USA, Yabusele was a standout performer with 20 points, further solidifying his reputation on the international stage.
A New Chapter in Philadelphia
Yabusele's move to the 76ers marks his second stint in the NBA. Drafted 16th overall by the Boston Celtics in the 2016 NBA Draft, his first tenure in the league was relatively short-lived. Appearing in just 74 games over two seasons, he averaged a modest six minutes per game before being waived by the Celtics in the summer of 2019. Seeking opportunities elsewhere, Yabusele played in France and China, and most recently developed into a versatile forward over three seasons with Real Madrid.
Leaving Real Madrid with one year remaining on his $2.5 million contract, Yabusele is currently working on a buyout agreement. His journey back to the NBA is fueled by a determination to prove himself. As he poignantly posted on X (formerly Twitter), "Been waiting for a 2nd chance.. I'm ready."
Impact on the 76ers
The Philadelphia 76ers have high hopes for Yabusele's return to the NBA. Known for his strength inside and his ability to shoot three-pointers, he is expected to bring a unique blend of skills to the team's frontcourt. The 76ers' decision to sign Yabusele reflects their confidence in his abilities and the potential impact he could have on their roster.
Yabusele's journey from being waived by the Celtics to becoming a key player for Real Madrid and a top performer at the Olympics illustrates his growth and resilience. With the upcoming season, both Yabusele and the 76ers are looking forward to what promises to be an exciting chapter in his career.