France’s Guerschon Yabusele joins 76ers after Olympics

The day after his remarkable Olympic run ended with a silver medal and a tough loss to Team USA, Guerschon Yabusele was already setting his sights on the next chapter of his basketball career. On social media, Yabusele expressed his eagerness for a new opportunity, writing, “Been waiting for a 2nd chance.. I’m ready,” accompanied by two emojis.

His persistence paid off quickly. Less than a week later, the Philadelphia 76ers signed the forward to a one-year contract valued at $2.1 million, as reported by ESPN. The Athletic further disclosed that Yabusele was in the process of finalizing a $2.5 million buyout from his contract with Real Madrid, where he had been playing since the 2021-22 season.

Yabusele’s return to the NBA marks a significant development in his career. He has not played in the league since 2019, when he was waived by the Boston Celtics, the team that drafted him in the first round of the 2016 NBA Draft. Following his departure from the Celtics, Yabusele shifted his professional focus overseas.

During the Paris Olympics, Yabusele showcased his skills and resilience, catching the attention of NBA teams. He was instrumental in France’s impressive run to the final, where they fell to Team USA. Over the course of the tournament, Yabusele demonstrated his offensive prowess, averaging 14 points per game, ranking him 23rd among all players in the event. His standout performance in the final, where he scored 20 points on 6-for-14 shooting in 31 minutes, highlighted his potential.

One of the most memorable moments of Yabusele’s Olympic campaign came during a quarterfinal game against Canada, where he electrified fans by posterizing LeBron James. He maneuvered past Kevin Durant and Devin Booker to complete a powerful dunk, a highlight that undoubtedly raised his stock in the eyes of NBA scouts and executives.

Yabusele’s performances did not go unnoticed. In the semifinals against Germany, he added 17 points to his tally, and his overall play helped France secure a spot in the gold-medal game. His dedication to winning and adaptability were evident when he said after the semifinal victory, “We just want to win. Whoever, we’re going to figure it out.”

During his previous NBA stint with the Celtics, Yabusele appeared in 74 games but had limited impact, starting only five of those games. Now, as he joins the Philadelphia 76ers, he faces a fresh start with a team that is looking to rebound from a disappointing first-round playoff exit last season. The 76ers, bolstered by the addition of Paul George, will be led by stars such as Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey.

For Yabusele, this new chapter with the 76ers represents a significant opportunity to revitalize his NBA career. Under the guidance of head coach Nick Nurse, Yabusele has the chance to contribute meaningfully to a team with high expectations. If he can translate his Olympic momentum into strong performances during training camp and the upcoming season, he could become a valuable asset for Philadelphia, providing depth and versatility to their roster.

As Yabusele prepares for his return to the NBA, all eyes will be on how he leverages his recent successes and adapts to his new environment. The 76ers and their fans will be hopeful that Yabusele’s renewed energy and skills will make a positive impact on the team’s performance in the forthcoming season.