France forward Guerschon
Yabusele will reportedly sign a one-year deal with the Philadelphia
76ers after his impressive Paris Olympic outing, sources told The
Athletic’s Shams Charania.
The 6-foot-8 forward averaged 14
points per game for France’s silver medal finish. He started in all
three knockout games for the French side, proving his value as a
physical scorer and a capable floor spacer. Yabusele served as one
of France’s main offensive weapons, using his bruising presence
alongside French phenom Victor Wembanyama. Yabusele also had one of
the memorable moments of the Games, when he dunked over Team USA
superstar LeBron James in the gold medal game.
The 28-year-old will now shore
up a Sixers frontline in need of a true 4. Philadelphia has had a
stacked offseason, signing marquee free agent Paul George to form a
big three with Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. The Sixers also
snagged away Caleb Martin from the Miami Heat to slot him at the 4
spot, but he is kind of undersized there so this is where Yabusele
could prove his value. Philadelphia is trying to pivot to a
switchable lineup at the wings to pair with Embiid and Maxey and
Yabusele fits that bill with his frame and defensive
versatility.
Yabusele will make his NBA
comeback following an inspired effort in Paris. He was notably
drafted by Sixers rival Boston Celtics in 2016 and played there
from 2016 to 2019 before being released. Yabusele spent his last
few years playing professionally in the Euroleague for Real Madrid
before starring for France and earning back his NBA opportunity
again this summer.
