French forward Guerschon Yabusele is poised to embark on a promising chapter in his basketball career, as he is set to sign a one-year, $2.1 million deal with the Philadelphia 76ers.
Yabusele has been garnering attention following his stellar performances at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Notably, he emerged as France's second-leading scorer, averaging 14 points and 3.3 rebounds per game. His shooting consistency was highlighted by an impressive 52% efficiency from the field.
Yabusele’s impact was profoundly felt in critical games. During the quarterfinals against Canada, he delivered an outstanding 22-point performance, propelling France into the semifinals. In the gold-medal match-up against Team USA, Yabusele showcased his scoring prowess once again by netting 20 points. His contributions were pivotal, particularly as veterans Rudy Gobert and Evan Fournier struggled in the group stages, and alongside Isaia Cordinier, he became a crucial scoring option for France.
The journey to this point has been both a testament to Yabusele’s resilience and his adaptability. Initially starting the Olympics from the bench, he worked his way into the starting lineup, proving his worth on the international stage.
Yabusele, who is leaving Real Madrid with a year left on his $2.5 million contract, is working on a buyout agreement. His departure from Real Madrid marks the end of a successful stint where he honed his skills over three seasons, evolving into a versatile forward renowned for his strength inside the paint and his ability to shoot three-pointers.
This marks Yabusele's second stint in the NBA. Initially drafted 16th overall by the Boston Celtics in the 2016 NBA Draft, his first run in the league was less than stellar. He appeared in only 74 games over two seasons, averaging a mere six minutes per game before being waived by the Celtics in the summer of 2019. Following his release, Yabusele played in France and China before finding a significant role with Real Madrid.
The Philadelphia 76ers' decision to sign Yabusele is fueled by confidence in his refined abilities and potential to make a tangible impact on the team. The forward himself is clearly eager for the opportunity to return to the NBA. Expressing his readiness and determination, Yabusele took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to share his sentiments: "Been waiting for a 2nd chance.. I'm ready."
Such a declaration underlines not just his readiness but his ambition to make the most of his second chance in the NBA, making him a valuable addition to the Philadelphia 76ers roster. As the team integrates him into their lineup, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how Yabusele’s talents translate on the NBA court this time around.