French forward Guerschon Yabusele is set to return to the NBA after a standout performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Yabusele is expected to sign a one-year, $2.1 million deal with the Philadelphia 76ers, marking his second stint in the league.
Impressive Olympic Run
Yabusele was a revelation for France at the 2024 Paris Olympics, emerging as the team's second-leading scorer. He averaged 14 points and 3.3 rebounds per game, with an impressive shooting efficiency of 52% from the field. His performance was pivotal in several key moments of the tournament.
One of Yabusele's standout games came in the quarterfinals against Canada, where he poured in 22 points to help France secure a spot in the semifinals. Another defining moment was in the gold-medal match against Team USA, where Yabusele scored 20 points, showcasing his ability to perform on the biggest stage.
From Bench to Star
Interestingly, Yabusele began the Olympics on the bench but quickly proved his worth, earning a spot in the starting lineup. His rise was partly due to the struggles of French veterans Rudy Gobert and Evan Fournier during the group stage. Alongside Isaia Cordinier, Yabusele became a crucial scoring option for the French team.
Transition to Philadelphia
The Philadelphia 76ers are bringing Yabusele on board with the hope that his Olympic success will translate to the NBA. This opportunity comes after Yabusele's decision to leave Real Madrid, where he had one year remaining on a $2.5 million contract. Yabusele is currently working on a buyout agreement to facilitate his move to the 76ers.
This marks Yabusele's return to the NBA after being drafted 16th overall by the Boston Celtics in the 2016 NBA Draft. His first stint in the league saw him appear in just 74 games over two seasons, averaging six minutes per game before being waived by the Celtics in the summer of 2019.
Refining Skills Overseas
Since leaving the NBA, Yabusele has played in France and China before eventually joining Real Madrid. Over the past three seasons, he has developed into a versatile forward, known for his strength inside and ability to shoot three-pointers. This evolution in his game has renewed interest in his potential impact in the NBA.
A New Chapter
Yabusele's signing with the 76ers is seen as a significant move for both the player and the team. The 76ers are confident in Yabusele's abilities and his potential to contribute meaningfully to their lineup. For Yabusele, it is a chance to redeem himself on the world's biggest basketball stage.
As he announced, "Been waiting for a 2nd chance.. I'm ready," the basketball world eagerly awaits to see how Yabusele will seize this new opportunity.