French forward Guerschon Yabusele is poised to make a significant return to the NBA by signing a one-year, $2.1 million contract with the Philadelphia 76ers. Yabusele, who has made a name for himself at Real Madrid and shone brightly during the 2024 Paris Olympics, appears ready to take on this new challenge with renewed determination. "Been waiting for a 2nd chance.. I'm ready," Yabusele shared on X, reflecting on his excitement for this opportunity.
Yabusele was a standout at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where he emerged as France's second-leading scorer. His impressive performances saw him averaging 14 points and 3.3 rebounds per game, while shooting 52% from the field. This form carried France deep into the tournament, where his contributions in the quarterfinals against Canada were particularly noteworthy. Scoring 22 points in that game, Yabusele played a pivotal role in helping his nation advance to the semifinals.
An unexpected but welcome shift occurred mid-tournament when Yabusele was promoted from the bench to the starting lineup. This move proved beneficial for France, especially as veterans Rudy Gobert and Evan Fournier struggled during the group stage. Alongside Isaia Cordinier, Yabusele stepped up to become a key scoring option for the French team, further cementing his status during the gold-medal match against Team USA, where he scored an impressive 20 points.
Yabusele’s journey back to the NBA is marked by a series of highs and lows. Drafted 16th overall in the 2016 NBA Draft by the Boston Celtics, his initial tenure in the league was underwhelming. He appeared in just 74 games over two seasons, averaging a mere six minutes per game. In the summer of 2019, his stint with the Celtics came to an abrupt end as he was waived by the team. Not deterred, Yabusele continued his professional career in France and China before finding a stable platform with Real Madrid.
Over the past three seasons with Real Madrid, Yabusele has developed into a versatile forward. Known for his strength inside and proficiency in shooting three-pointers, he became an integral part of the team. However, with one year remaining on his $2.5 million contract with Real Madrid, Yabusele is currently working on a buyout agreement to facilitate his move to the Sixers.
The Philadelphia 76ers' decision to sign Yabusele underscores their confidence in his abilities and potential to make a significant impact on the team. After witnessing his development and remarkable performances internationally, the team believes he can bring considerable value to their roster.
Yabusele’s return to the NBA represents both a professional and personal milestone. Eager to showcase his growth and skills, he brings with him a wealth of experience from his international stints and his recent accolades at the Olympics. As he steps onto the court for the 76ers, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if he can translate his international success to the NBA stage.
This second chance in the league is something Yabusele has been anticipating, and he appears to have the right blend of experience, skill, and determination to seize the opportunity. His journey from being a bench player to a key figure in the Olympics, coupled with his newfound resolve, sets the stage for what could be a compelling return to the NBA.