French forward Guerschon Yabusele is on the cusp of returning to the NBA, as he is expected to finalize a one-year, $2.1 million contract with the Philadelphia 76ers. This marks Yabusele's second stint in the NBA, following a less than stellar initial run with the Boston Celtics, who drafted him 16th overall in the 2016 NBA Draft.
Impressive Olympic Performance
Yabusele's return to the NBA is buoyed by his standout performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics. He emerged as France's second-leading scorer, averaging 14 points and 3.3 rebounds per game. Shooting with an impressive efficiency of 52% from the field, his performance in the quarterfinals against Canada was particularly noteworthy. Yabusele scored 22 points, playing a pivotal role in advancing France to the semifinals.
“Been waiting for a 2nd chance.. I’m ready,” Yabusele declared on X, signaling his readiness to re-enter the NBA arena.
Key Player in Olympic Run
Initially, Yabusele started on the bench during the 2024 Paris Olympics but was soon promoted to the starting lineup. Alongside Isaia Cordinier, Yabusele turned into a crucial scoring option for the French national team. Veterans Rudy Gobert and Evan Fournier struggled during the group stage, which further highlighted Yabusele's emerging importance. In the gold-medal match against Team USA, Yabusele delivered another strong performance, scoring 20 points.
Departure from Real Madrid
Leaving Real Madrid a year before his contract ended, Yabusele is currently negotiating a buyout of his $2.5 million contract. Over the past three seasons in Spain, he developed into a versatile forward renowned for his strength inside and ability to shoot three-pointers. His skill set and consistent performance have made him an attractive prospect for the 76ers, who are confident in his potential impact on their roster.
NBA Return
Yabusele's first NBA tenure was short-lived. Over two seasons with the Boston Celtics, he appeared in only 74 games, averaging a mere six minutes per game before being waived in the summer of 2019. Following his departure from the Celtics, Yabusele spent time playing in France and China before landing a spot with Real Madrid.
This impending deal with the 76ers represents not just a return to the NBA but also an opportunity for Yabusele to rewrite his story. The 76ers have placed their trust in his developed abilities and the promise he showcased on an international stage.
As Yabusele prepares to don the 76ers jersey, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if the French forward can inevitably make the impact in the NBA he has demonstrated he is capable of. The coming season will undoubtedly be a significant chapter in Yabusele’s basketball journey, one he appears more than ready to embrace.