Philadelphia, PA—In an intriguing move likely to excite Sixers fans, French forward Guerschon Yabusele is set to join the Philadelphia 76ers on a one-year, $2.1 million deal. The 27-year-old is coming off an impressive showing at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where he was pivotal for France, becoming their second-leading scorer and boasting averages of 14 points and 3.3 rebounds per game.
Yabusele's shooting efficiency was noteworthy, with a 52% conversion rate from the field during the Olympics. His performance peaked in the quarterfinals against Canada, where he registered 22 points, propelling France to the semifinals. This standout contribution was a significant factor in Coach Vincent Collet's decision to elevate Yabusele from the bench to the starting lineup, a move that paid off handsomely.
Veteran stars Rudy Gobert and Evan Fournier struggled during the group stage, placing the burden of scoring on other players. Alongside Isaia Cordinier, Yabusele emerged as a key offensive weapon for France. He further cemented his status by scoring 20 points in the gold-medal match against a formidable Team USA.
Transition to NBA Redemption
Yabusele is exiting Real Madrid, despite having one year left on his $2.5 million contract with the Spanish giants. Negotiations are currently underway for a buyout agreement, allowing him to make a return to the NBA. This upcoming stint with the 76ers will be his second foray into the world's premier basketball league.
Originally drafted 16th overall in the 2016 NBA Draft by the Boston Celtics, Yabusele's initial NBA career was less illustrious. He appeared in just 74 games over two seasons, averaging a mere six minutes per game before the Celtics waived him in the summer of 2019. Following his departure, Yabusele honed his skills in France and China before signing with Real Madrid.
Strength Within and Beyond the Arc
In the past three seasons with Real Madrid, Yabusele's growth has been substantial. He developed into a versatile forward known not just for his strength inside but also for his ability to shoot three-pointers. This combination of skills makes him an exciting addition to the 76ers. The team’s management has displayed confidence in Yabusele’s potential, believing that his dynamism could make a significant impact on the squad.
Yabusele himself seems eager for the opportunity to rewrite his NBA narrative. Following the announcement, the forward took to X (formerly Twitter), stating, "Been waiting for a 2nd chance.. I'm ready."
With the 76ers banking on Yabusele's abilities, fans and analysts alike will be keenly watching how this seasoned international performer adapts to his new role in Philadelphia. If his Olympic performance is any indication, the 76ers may have found a valuable asset capable of contributing in clutch moments, a need for any team aiming for playoff success.
As Yabusele prepares to don the Sixers’ uniform, the echoes of past performances will undoubtedly serve as motivation. Eager to prove that his earlier NBA stint was merely a prelude, this versatile forward is set to embark on what could be a defining chapter in his basketball career.