French forward Guerschon Yabusele is making headlines once again, as he is expected to sign a one-year, $2.1 million deal with the Philadelphia 76ers. Fresh off his impressive performances at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Yabusele is poised for a significant return to the NBA.
Yabusele shone brightly during the Olympics, securing his place as France's second-leading scorer. Averaging 14 points and 3.3 rebounds per game and shooting an efficient 52% from the field, he consistently delivered strong performances. His standout moment came in the quarterfinals against Canada, where he scored 22 points and helped lead France to the semifinals.
The French forward's journey to prominence wasn't smooth. Initially relegated to the bench, Yabusele was elevated to the starting lineup after veterans Rudy Gobert and Evan Fournier struggled during the group stage. Alongside Isaia Cordinier, who also received a starting nod, Yabusele became a key scoring option for France for the rest of the tournament. His stellar play continued into the gold-medal match against Team USA, where he poured in 20 points.
Yabusele's departure from Real Madrid, where he had one year left on his contract, marks an important transition. He is currently working on a buyout agreement of his $2.5 million contract with the EuroLeague powerhouse. His move back to the NBA signifies a new chapter in his career.
This will be Yabusele's second stint in the NBA. Initially drafted 16th overall in the 2016 NBA Draft by the Boston Celtics, his first run in the league was less than stellar. Appearing in just 74 games over two seasons, Yabusele averaged a mere six minutes per game before being waived by the Celtics in the summer of 2019.
Following his departure from the Celtics, Yabusele played in France and China, eventually finding stability with Real Madrid. Over the past three seasons, he developed into a versatile forward, known for his strength inside and ability to stretch the floor with his shooting out to the three-point line.
As Yabusele prepares to join the Sixers, he expressed his excitement for this new opportunity, stating on X, "Been waiting for a 2nd chance.. I'm ready." His determination to make the most of this opportunity is palpable.
The Sixers' decision to sign Yabusele indicates their confidence in his abilities and potential to make an impact on the team. A strong forward with a proven track record on international and club stages, Yabusele brings both experience and skill to Philadelphia. With the NBA season fast approaching, all eyes will be on how Yabusele adapts and contributes to his new team.