Joining an Elite Club: Yabusele's Dunk on LeBron James
Very few players know the honor of dunking on LeBron James, one of the most revered athletes in the history of basketball. James, with his remarkable basketball IQ and natural athleticism, is rarely out of position, making the accomplishment of dunking on him an extraordinary feat that is forever etched in memory.
Six years ago, in Game 7 of the 2018 Eastern Conference finals, a rookie named Jayson Tatum introduced himself to the world by throwing down a ferocious slam on James. That moment remains arguably the most famous play of Tatum’s career. Fast forward to this year's Olympics, and another name joined this exclusive list—French forward Guerschon Yabusele.
The Memorable Play
Yabusele's highlight came during the gold medal game between France and Team USA. In the second quarter, Yabusele maneuvered past Devin Booker on the perimeter as LeBron James rotated to position himself for a charge. Seizing the moment, the Frenchman finished with a powerful dunk and drew the foul, creating a moment that will likely be the hallmark of his career.
“You gotta tell (the Celtics) to bring me back,” Yabusele exclaimed to The Boston Globe's Gary Washburn, encapsulating his reverence for the NBA and the significant impact of his play.
Olympic Breakout Star
During this Olympics, Yabusele has emerged as one of the breakout stars of the tournament. France's tactical decision to play smaller and limit Rudy Gobert's minutes during the knockout stages paved the way for Yabusele to shine. His relentless motor and strength turned him into a force inside, while his shooting ability kept opposing defenses on their toes.
Drafted as the No. 16 pick by the Boston Celtics in the 2016 NBA Draft, Yabusele’s initial NBA career didn't pan out as hoped. Since 2019, he has been playing professionally abroad and is currently a member of Real Madrid. Despite his overseas success, Yabusele has expressed interest in returning to the NBA if the opportunity arises.
NBA Aspirations
It's challenging to imagine anyone not being one of the top 450 players globally managing to dunk on someone of James' caliber. Yabusele’s recent performance has not only given France a significant advantage but also served as a strong indicator of the potential he still harbors to compete at the highest level.
With his newfound fame and proven abilities on an international stage, Yabusele stands poised for a possible return to the NBA, where he once hoped to make his mark. His desire to reunite with the Celtics signals unfinished business and a burning ambition to succeed in the world’s premier basketball league.
Looking at the Future
As Yabusele continues to take strides in his career, his unforgettable dunk on LeBron James during the Olympics will undoubtedly remain a high point. It underscored his capabilities on both ends of the floor and made a compelling case for why NBA teams should take notice. Whether he returns to the NBA or continues to blaze his path in Europe, Yabusele has cemented his place in the annals of basketball history with that monumental dunk.