After a breakout performance in the 2024 Paris Olympics, French forward Guerschon Yabusele is reportedly nearing a return to the NBA. According to The Athletic’s Shams Charania, it seems that Yabusele will head to the Philadelphia 76ers.
Just In: France’s Guerschon Yabusele is in serious talks on a deal with the Philadelphia 76ers, league sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Yabusele is resolving his $2.5 million contract buyout with Real Madrid as he nears NBA return. pic.twitter.com/TRkVDfnLX5
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 18, 2024
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En route to a silver medal with France, Yabusele averaged 14 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 1 assist per game during the Olympics. Additionally, he recorded a 20-point performance against Team USA. Yabusele also shot 51.9% from the field throughout the Olympics.
The 2016 first-round pick previously spent time with the Boston Celtics until 2019. In 74 total games over two seasons, Yabusele averaged 2.3 points and 1.4 rebounds.
76ers in “Serious Talks” to Add French Olympic Star
What Guerschon Yabusele Can Bring to the Philadelphia 76ers
In the Olympics, Yabusele showcased a lot of talent and improvement from his time in the NBA. He has become a solid perimeter shooter and is great at playing down low and in the post. With the 76ers, Yabusele can provide great depth at the power forward spot, which seems like a weak spot on the team. How much he will play remains unclear. He played well in the Olympics and took home the 2023 EuroLeague MVP award. It is clear that Yabusele can play basketball at a high level. Whether he will be closer to the player everyone saw in the Olympics or the one who played with the Celtics will be worth monitoring. Regardless, it is a chance worth taking for both the 76ers and Yabusele.
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Before he signed with the 76ers, Yabusele was linked to the Cleveland Cavaliers. However, according to Chris Fedor, it seemed unlikely.
“As of right now it’s Evan Mobley is the starting power forward, Georges Niang is the backup power forward, and then Dean Wade is also in the mix to be the backup power forward. So, I just don’t know based on this current roster construction if Cleveland is the team that would pay the $2.5 million buyout to turn around and sign (Yabusele) to be the last player on the roster.”
Yabusele would have provided depth to the Cavaliers. However, as Fedor mentioned, he was not guaranteed a spot in the rotation.
Ultimately, Yabusele can become a good signing for the 76ers. He provides depth and should crack the rotation. Yabusele’s second stint in the NBA will be fun to watch.
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