French basketball star Guerschon Yabusele has reportedly signed a one-year, $2.1 million contract with the Philadelphia 76ers, according to U.S. broadcaster ESPN. This move comes on the heels of his standout performance for the French national team at the recently concluded 2024 Paris Summer Olympics.
Yabusele, 28, showcased his talent on the international stage, averaging 14.0 points and 3.3 rebounds per game while shooting an impressive 51.9 percent from the field. His contributions were instrumental in leading France to the Olympic final, where they faced off against the USA. Despite a valiant effort, France fell 98-87 after a late surge led by Stephen Curry.
Originally selected by the Boston Celtics with the 16th pick in the 2016 NBA Draft, Yabusele appeared in 74 games over two seasons (2017-18 and 2018-19), averaging 2.3 points in 6.6 minutes per game. After being waived by the Celtics, he broadened his professional experience across various international leagues.
Yabusele spent the 2016-17 season in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) with the Shanghai Sharks, where he made a significant impact by averaging 21.5 points and 9.5 rebounds per game. He briefly returned to the CBA during the 2019-20 season with the Nanjing Monkey Kings, adding depth to his international playing résumé.
The versatile power forward also played in his home country, starting his professional career in 2014 with French LNB Pro A club Rouen. He later had stints with ASVEL Basket in France before spending the last three seasons with Spanish Liga ACB powerhouse Real Madrid, further honing his skills and showcasing his versatility on the court.
Yabusele’s addition to the 76ers roster brings a dynamic presence to their frontcourt. His international experience and recent Olympic performance suggest he could be a valuable asset as Philadelphia aims to strengthen its lineup for the upcoming NBA season.
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Report: Guerschon Yabusele joins 76ers after breakout Olympics
cgtn.com
