French forward Guerschon Yabusele is set to embark on a new chapter in his basketball career with the Philadelphia 76ers. Yabusele, coming off an impressive performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics, is expected to sign a one-year, $2.1 million deal with the Sixers. This marks his second stint in the NBA after previously being drafted 16th overall by the Boston Celtics in the 2016 NBA Draft.
At the 2024 Paris Olympics, Yabusele showcased his skills on a global stage, becoming France’s second-leading scorer. He averaged an impressive 14 points and 3.3 rebounds per game while maintaining a shooting efficiency of 52% from the field. Such performances were crucial for France, especially during the quarterfinals against Canada, where Yabusele poured in 22 points to propel his team into the semifinals.
Originally starting the tournament on the bench, Yabusele's strong play earned him a spot in the starting lineup. The promotion proved fruitful as he, alongside Isaia Cordinier, emerged as a key scoring option for France. His contributions included a standout 20-point performance in the gold-medal match against Team USA, underscoring his ability to deliver under pressure.
Yabusele’s journey to this point has not been without its challenges. During his initial run in the NBA with the Celtics, he appeared in just 74 games over two seasons, averaging a mere six minutes per game. After being waived by Boston in the summer of 2019, Yabusele took his talents overseas. He spent time playing in France and China before landing with Real Madrid, where he developed into a versatile forward over the past three seasons.
At Real Madrid, Yabusele honed his game, becoming known for his strength inside and his ability to shoot three-pointers. His development caught the attention of NBA scouts, and now the 27-year-old forward is working on a buyout agreement of his $2.5 million contract with Real Madrid to facilitate his transition back to the NBA.
Yabusele’s signing with the 76ers is expected to bring a much-needed boost to the team. With veterans Rudy Gobert and Evan Fournier struggling during the group stage of the Olympics, Yabusele’s resilience and performance stood out. His ability to adapt and excel in varying roles will be invaluable as the Sixers look to strengthen their roster.
The move also represents a full-circle moment for Yabusele, who expressed his readiness for a second chance in the NBA. Sharing his excitement on social media platform X, he stated, "Been waiting for a 2nd chance.. I'm ready." This sentiment resonates with many athletes who have faced setbacks only to return stronger and more determined.
Philadelphia's confidence in Yabusele’s abilities is clear. The franchise believes he can make a significant impact, leveraging both his international experience and the skills he refined in European leagues. As Yabusele prepares to don the Sixers jersey, fans can anticipate a player who brings both strength inside the paint and a reliable shooting touch from outside.
Yabusele's journey illustrates the often unpredictable nature of sports careers. From being a highly-touted draft pick who struggled to find his footing in the NBA, to becoming a standout performer on the international stage, his story is one of perseverance and evolution. Through determination and hard work, Yabusele has earned this opportunity to write a new chapter with the Philadelphia 76ers.
As he steps onto the court for his second stint in the NBA, Yabusele not only carries his own aspirations but also the hopes of the Sixers organization and its fans. The upcoming season will undoubtedly be watched with interest, as Yabusele aims to make the most of his long-awaited second chance.