Yabusele Set to Join Sixers on a One-Year Deal
In a move that's sure to shake up the NBA, French forward Guerschon Yabusele is expected to sign a one-year, $2.1 million deal with the Philadelphia 76ers. Yabusele has recently caught the attention of basketball enthusiasts with his exceptional performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Yabusele showcased his versatile skills during the Olympics, becoming France's second-leading scorer and averaging 14 points and 3.3 rebounds per game. His shooting efficiency stood at an impressive 52% from the field. One of his standout performances came in the quarterfinals against Canada, where he poured in 22 points to help France advance to the semifinals. He continued his stellar play in the gold-medal match against Team USA, scoring 20 points, although France fell short of victory.
This rise to prominence is particularly notable as Yabusele was initially coming off the bench but earned a promotion to the starting lineup during the games. In the face of struggles from seasoned veterans Rudy Gobert and Evan Fournier, Yabusele, alongside Isaia Cordinier, stepped up as key scoring options for the French team.
The 76ers' decision to bring Yabusele on board stems from their confidence in his abilities and potential impact on the team. Known for his strength inside and a capable three-point shot, Yabusele is expected to add a valuable dimension to Philadelphia's roster. For Yabusele, this signing marks a significant milestone, as he recently expressed his excitement on social media, stating, "Been waiting for a 2nd chance.. I'm ready."
Yabusele is leaving Real Madrid, where he had one year left on his $2.5 million contract. He is currently working on a buyout agreement to facilitate his transition to the NBA. This will be Yabusele's second stint in the league, having previously been drafted 16th overall by the Boston Celtics in the 2016 NBA Draft. His first tenure in the NBA was brief, spanning just 74 games over two seasons with the Celtics, where he averaged six minutes per game before being waived in the summer of 2019.
Following his departure from the Celtics, Yabusele played in France and China before landing with Real Madrid. Over the past three seasons, he has developed into a versatile forward, contributing significantly to Real Madrid's success.
As Yabusele prepares to join the 76ers, the team and its fans are hopeful that he will bring the same level of intensity and skill that he displayed at the Olympics. His journey from being waived in the NBA to becoming a standout player on the international stage is a testament to his resilience and growth as a player.
With the NBA season approaching, all eyes will be on Yabusele to see how he integrates into the 76ers' system and whether he can fulfill the high expectations set for him. The Philadelphia 76ers are betting on Yabusele's ability to make an immediate impact, and if his recent performances are any indication, they're in for an exciting season.