French basketball star Guerschon Yabusele is set to make his return to the NBA, joining the Philadelphia 76ers on a one-year deal worth $2.1 million, according to multiple media reports, including ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
Yabusele, who has been a standout player for Team France, played a crucial role in their silver medal-winning run at the Paris Olympics. He averaged 14 points per game throughout the tournament, showcasing his skills on the international stage. In the Olympic gold medal game against Team USA, Yabusele scored an impressive 20 points, second only to his teammate Victor Wembanyama. Despite France’s valiant effort, the United States emerged victorious with a 98-87 win.
One of the most memorable moments of the final came when Yabusele delivered a powerful dunk over NBA legend LeBron James, a highlight that quickly went viral. “GUERSCHON YABUSELE ON LEBRON JAMES,” the NBC Olympics Twitter account exclaimed as it shared the footage of the dunk. The moment cemented Yabusele’s reputation as a formidable player on the court.
Yabusele’s journey to this point has been marked by international experience and growth. After starting his professional career with teams in France and China, Yabusele was selected 16th overall by the Boston Celtics in the 2016 NBA Draft. He spent two seasons with the Celtics before returning to play overseas in 2019.
For the past three years, Yabusele has been a key player for Real Madrid, one of Europe’s most prestigious basketball clubs. However, his desire to return to the NBA required him to resolve a $2.5 million contract with the Spanish team, according to The Athletic’s Sham Charania. With that issue settled, Yabusele is now ready to bring his talents back to the NBA, where he hopes to make a significant impact with the 76ers.
The 6-foot-8 forward’s return to the NBA is highly anticipated, and his Olympic performance has certainly raised expectations. Philadelphia fans will be eager to see how Yabusele’s international experience translates to success in the upcoming NBA season.