By Shams Charania, John Hollinger and Tess DeMeyer
According to league sources, the Philadelphia 76ers are actively engaged in discussions with French power forward Guerschon Yabusele. The team is keen on signing the Olympic silver medalist, who averaged 14 points while competing for his country at the 2024 Games in Paris.
GUERSCHON YABUSELE ON LEBRON JAMES. 😳
📺 NBC and Peacock | #ParisOlympics pic.twitter.com/cjrH6Q9Epd
— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) August 10, 2024
As Yabusele approaches a return to the NBA, he is working through a $2.5 million contract buyout with Real Madrid. The 76ers would need to pay a maximum of $850,000 to facilitate this buyout, following league regulations. The remaining balance of about $1.6 million would need to be settled between Yabusele and Real Madrid.
At 28 years old, Yabusele previously played for the Boston Celtics from 2017 to 2019 after being drafted 16th overall in the 2016 NBA Draft. He has not hidden his desire to return to the league, sharing a post on X on August 11 that stated “Been waiting for a 2nd chance.. I’m ready.”
A perfect fit for Philadelphia
Standing at 6-foot-8 and weighing around 275 pounds, Yabusele addresses a clear need for the Sixers as a stretch 4, particularly given that the current roster lacks true power forwards. His addition would also fill Philadelphia’s 14th roster spot, meeting the league’s minimum requirement.
Since his last stint in the NBA in 2019, the former Celtic has displayed marked improvement, highlighted by his strong performance in the Olympics for France. Last season, he shot 44.5 percent from three-point range with Real Madrid and has notably enhanced his conditioning; however, he continues to occasionally struggle with his defensive awareness. Yabusele possesses the physicality to dominate switches in the paint, though on this roster, he will likely serve primarily as a floor spacer. — John Hollinger, NBA senior writer
How will the buyout work?
The challenging aspect is that the Sixers can only offer a minimum salary while Yabusele carries a $2.5 million buyout with Madrid. They are limited to contributing $825,000, as the remainder would need to come from cap space or exception funds, which the team currently does not have. Nevertheless, there might be room for negotiation to reduce the buyout to a more manageable figure. If not, Yabusele would find himself responsible for $1.675 million while earning just $2.1 million this upcoming season. A minimum deal for him could also extend to a second year, with a payment of $2.4 million. — Hollinger
Required reading
(Photo: ARIS MESSINIS / AFP via Getty Images)
# 76ers in Pursuit of Guerschon Yabusele: Olympic Star on the Brink of NBA Return
The Philadelphia 76ers are making headlines as they intensify their pursuit of Guerschon Yabusele, the talented French forward who has made a name for himself on the international stage. With the NBA season approaching, the 76ers aim to bolster their roster with Yabusele, whose unique skill set and Olympic experience could provide invaluable depth for the team.
## Who is Guerschon Yabusele?
Guerschon Yabusele, standing at 6’8″, is an agile forward known for his versatility, athleticism, and sharpshooting abilities. He was born on March 17, 1996, in La Roche-sur-Yon, France. Yabusele’s career began in the French leagues, where he showcased his skills before making a significant impact in the NBA.
### Early Career
– **2012-2014**: Yabusele played for the French club Cholet Basket, where he quickly gained attention for his performances in the junior leagues.
– **2015**: He was selected by the Boston Celtics as the 16th overall pick in the second round of the NBA Draft.
### NBA Journey
Yabusele’s journey in the NBA was marked by both promise and challenge. After spending time with the Celtics, he transitioned to playing overseas, where he continued to hone his skills.
– **NBA Experience**: Played in 2017-2019 with the Boston Celtics.
– **International Play**: Yabusele has represented France in various international competitions, including the Olympics, where he further solidified his reputation as a top-tier player.
## Yabusele’s Olympic Impact
Yabusele’s contributions to the French national team during the Olympics were monumental. His ability to blend defense with offensive prowess helped France clinch a silver medal in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
### Key Stats from the Tokyo 2020 Olympics
| Category | Stats |
|———————–|—————-|
| Points per Game | 12.4 |
| Rebounds per Game | 6.1 |
| Assists per Game | 2.3 |
| Field Goal Percentage | 54.5% |
## The 76ers’ Roster Needs
As the 76ers evaluate their roster ahead of the upcoming season, the addition of Yabusele could address several key needs:
### Strengths of Yabusele
– **Versatility**: Can play both forward positions, providing flexibility in lineups.
– **Three-Point Shooting**: A reliable shooter from beyond the arc, crucial for spacing the floor.
– **Defense**: Quick and agile, Yabusele can guard multiple positions effectively.
### Areas of Improvement for the 76ers
– **Bench Scoring**: The 76ers struggled with consistent scoring off the bench last season.
– **Defensive Depth**: Adding Yabusele could enhance the team’s defensive schemes against versatile forwards.
– **Playmaking**: His ability to create shots for himself and others could relieve pressure from star players like Joel Embiid and James Harden.
## What Yabusele Brings to the 76ers
Integrating Guerschon Yabusele into the 76ers’ lineup could provide several benefits:
### 1. Enhanced Floor Spacing
Yabusele’s shooting ability creates more opportunities for teammates, allowing for better driving lanes for players like Tyrese Maxey and Harden.
### 2. Defensive Flexibility
Yabusele’s versatility allows him to guard multiple positions, enabling the 76ers to employ dynamic defensive strategies, particularly against smaller lineups.
### 3. Experience and Leadership
Having played at the highest levels in international competition, Yabusele brings valuable experience and a winning mentality to a team with championship aspirations.
## Case Studies: Successful NBA Returns
Yabusele’s potential return to the NBA follows a trend of players successfully transitioning back after stints overseas. Here are some notable examples:
| Player | Previous Team | International Team | NBA Return Year |
|——————-|—————|——————–|——————|
| Nikola Mirotic | New Orleans Pelicans | Barcelona | 2022 |
| Serge Ibaka | Toronto Raptors | Real Madrid | 2023 |
| Jan Vesely | Washington Wizards | Cedevita | 2021 |
These examples show that players who excel in international play can transition back to the NBA and make significant contributions.
## Practical Tips for the 76ers’ Management
To effectively integrate Yabusele into their system, the 76ers’ management should consider the following strategies:
### 1. Preseason Training Camp
– Conduct specific workouts focusing on Yabusele’s strengths, such as shooting drills and pick-and-roll scenarios to facilitate chemistry with guards.
### 2. Game Situational Practice
– Simulate game situations during practice to help him adapt to the NBA’s pace and style of play, emphasizing defensive rotations and offensive spacing.
### 3. Role Definition
– Clearly define Yabusele’s role within the team to ensure he understands his responsibilities on both ends of the floor.
## Conclusion
The Philadelphia 76ers’ interest in Guerschon Yabusele marks a strategic move to enhance their roster ahead of the NBA season. With proven international experience and a skill set that aligns with the team’s needs, Yabusele could be a game-changer for the 76ers. As they finalize their roster, the potential addition of this Olympic star promises to bring excitement and talent to an already competitive squad.
By embracing Yabusele’s unique attributes and integrating them into their game plan, the 76ers can improve their chances of making a deep playoff run this season.
