The 2024 Olympic men's basketball tournament shone brightly with superstars like LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Nikola Jokic, and the young sensation, Victor Wembanyama. Amidst this constellation of talent, one name that particularly stood out was French forward Guerschon Yabusele. Averaging an impressive 14 points throughout the Olympics, Yabusele showcased his potential and added a memorable highlight by executing a rare dunk over LeBron James.
Yabusele, a player with a historic link to the NBA, was the No. 16 pick in the 2016 NBA Draft, selected by the Boston Celtics. However, his journey in the NBA was brief; he hasn't played in the league since 2019. Currently, Yabusele is under contract with Real Madrid, one of the most prestigious basketball clubs in Europe, for one more season. His contract includes a buyout clause worth $2.5 million. Interestingly, had the buyout taken place before July 15, it would have cost just $1 million.
Financial Gamble
There lies a significant financial gamble for Yabusele as NBA teams are only allowed a fixed contribution towards a player's international buyout, this season capped at $850,000. The remaining $1.65 million of the buyout would have to come out of Yabusele's pocket. This is a hefty sum, especially when considering his current salary structure at Real Madrid versus a potential NBA minimum contract.
With only two years of NBA service, Yabusele's earnings on a one-year guaranteed minimum contract would amount to a bit less than $2.1 million. Should he not receive a guaranteed offer and only secure a training camp invite, he risks losing both his lucrative Real Madrid contract and the buyout payment without any certainty of making an NBA roster.
The Financial Contrast
One clear incentive for Yabusele to attempt an NBA return is the significant disparity in earnings between NBA and international players. NBA contracts are known to be considerably more lucrative, and his recent Olympic performance might just be the ticket for a second chance in the league.
Known for his shooting prowess, Yabusele has made an undeniable mark in his international career with a 40.7% shooting efficiency from beyond the arc on 3.3 attempts per game. His sharpshooting was on full display during the Olympics, firmly indicating his capability to contribute to an NBA team.
The Waiting Game
With training camps more than a month away, the clock is ticking for Yabusele. His recent performances have certainly attracted attention, but the uncertainty of a guaranteed spot makes his situation precarious. Nonetheless, Yabusele remains undeterred, quoted saying, "Been waiting for a 2nd chance... I'm ready."
It's clear that Yabusele's journey is far from over. His Olympic exploits have proven that he possesses the talent and resilience needed for a comeback. As the training camps draw nearer, the basketball community watches closely, waiting to see if this French forward can carve out a new chapter in his NBA story. For now, Yabusele exemplifies perseverance, readiness, and the unwavering hope for redemption in the world's most competitive basketball league.