Very few players can lay claim to the honor of dunking on LeBron James, one of the most revered athletes in the history of basketball. With his remarkable basketball IQ and natural athleticism, LeBron is rarely caught out of position. However, both Jayson Tatum and Guerschon Yabusele have managed to etch their names into basketball history by accomplishing this rare feat.
Jayson Tatum: A Rookie's Moment of Glory
Six years ago, during Game 7 of the 2018 Eastern Conference Finals, a young rookie named Jayson Tatum shocked the basketball world. Tatum threw down a powerful slam on James, a moment that remains arguably the most famous play of his career. Such moments are rare, given LeBron's defensive prowess and anticipation.
Guerschon Yabusele: Shining in the Olympics
This year's Olympics introduced fans to another incredible moment as French forward Guerschon Yabusele joined the exclusive club of LeBron dunkers. Yabusele's highlight reel moment came during the gold medal game between France and Team USA. In the second quarter, Yabusele skillfully maneuvered past Devin Booker on the perimeter. As LeBron rotated to position himself for a charge, the Frenchman soared for a powerful dunk, drawing the foul in the process.
Yabusele emerged as one of the breakout stars of the tournament, showcasing a relentless motor, strength, and a versatile game that kept opposing defenses on their toes. France’s tactical decision to play smaller and limit Rudy Gobert’s minutes during the knockout stages provided Yabusele with a platform to shine.
The Rise of Yabusele
Selected as the No. 16 pick by the Boston Celtics in the 2016 NBA Draft, Yabusele’s initial NBA career did not pan out as expected. Since 2019, he has been playing professionally abroad and is currently a member of Real Madrid. Despite being away from the NBA, Yabusele has continued to develop his game, and his recent performance in the Olympics has reignited interest in his potential.
“You gotta tell (the Celtics) to bring me back,” Yabusele told The Boston Globe's Gary Washburn, signaling his strong desire to return to the NBA. Given his standout performances and the spotlight moment of dunking on LeBron James, it's clear why Yabusele feels he has unfinished business in the league.
Future Prospects
Yabusele’s recent performance has given France a significant advantage and has served as a strong indicator of his capacity to compete at the highest level. With his relentless effort, scoring ability, and defensive versatility, Yabusele has cemented his place in the annals of basketball history. His dunk on LeBron James is now a part of the sport's lore, and his journey signifies that there's much more to come from the dynamic forward.
Whether or not Yabusele makes a return to the NBA, his contributions on the international stage have already left an indelible mark. From his beginnings with the Boston Celtics to his breakout moments in the Olympics, Guerschon Yabusele's story is one of perseverance and potential realized at the highest levels of basketball.