The Philadelphia 76ers made some waves during the 2024 offseason, and while all eyes are on the blockbuster addition of Paul George, there are other notable new faces on the roster that deserve attention. One of the most intriguing additions is Guerschon Yabusele, a player who’s spent time both in the NBA and overseas but is now getting another shot at the big stage after an impressive stint in the Olympics.
Yabusele isn’t a stranger to NBA fans. After being drafted by the Boston Celtics, he played two seasons with them from 2017 to 2019, averaging 2.3 points and 1.4 rebounds per game. He was seen as a work-in-progress player, someone who had a lot of potential but hadn’t quite found his place in the NBA. After his stint with the Celtics, Yabusele went back overseas, playing for Real Madrid, where he honed his craft and improved his shooting, particularly from beyond the arc. His breakout performances in Europe, especially his sharp shooting in the EuroLeague and the Spanish ACB league, have earned him another chance to prove himself in the NBA.
The Sixers’ coaching staff, led by Nick Nurse, has been paying close attention to Yabusele’s development. Nurse, who has a keen eye for spotting potential in players, was particularly impressed with Yabusele’s energy and athleticism on the first day of training camp. Nurse mentioned Yabusele alongside other key players like Tyrese Maxey, Kelly Oubre, and Caleb Martin, praising their enthusiasm and effort. “I thought there was a lot of life out of Maxey, Oubre, Martin, Yabusele,” Nurse said. “Those guys were really energetic, really playing hard, very athletic and fast.”
One of the most exciting aspects of Yabusele’s return to the NBA is his improved shooting from deep. While his time with the Celtics didn’t showcase much of his shooting ability—he only shot 32.3% from beyond the arc during his first two years—his recent numbers in Europe are eye-catching. Yabusele shot an impressive 48.1% from three-point range in the EuroLeague on 2.4 attempts per game and 39.4% from deep in the Spanish ACB league on 3.0 attempts per game. That’s some serious improvement, and it’s something the Sixers will be looking to capitalize on.
However, as Nurse pointed out, transitioning from the European three-point line to the NBA’s slightly further line can be a challenge. “The only thing that’s different, I always get a little bit, or keep a close eye on, is those guys that were playing in Europe or college when the line all of a sudden’s back,” Nurse said. “Even though it’s only a little bit, it matters.” But Nurse seems optimistic that Yabusele will be able to adjust quickly. He emphasized that the Sixers have specific drills in place to help players like Yabusele get accustomed to the NBA’s deeper three-point line.
What makes Yabusele such an exciting addition is not just his potential to stretch the floor with his shooting but also his energy and hustle on both ends of the court. Nurse described him as an “energy-type guy,” someone who can be a presence on the offensive glass, rebound on the defensive end, and space the floor when needed. That versatility could make him a valuable piece in the Sixers’ rotation. “He was definitely somebody I mentioned that stood out today,” Nurse said. “We think he’s an energy-type guy. We think he can get on the offensive glass, rebound the ball at the defensive end, hopefully, space the floor a little bit, too.”
Yabusele’s journey back to the NBA is a testament to his resilience and determination. After his initial stint with the Celtics, many might have thought his NBA dream was over. But instead of fading into obscurity, Yabusele went overseas, improved his game, and made a name for himself in some of the toughest basketball leagues outside of the NBA. His performances for Real Madrid and his standout play in the Olympics for France caught the attention of NBA scouts once again. Now, with the Sixers, he has a golden opportunity to carve out a meaningful role on a team with championship aspirations.
It’s not just Yabusele’s individual talent that makes his addition exciting—it’s how he fits into the Sixers’ system. With players like Paul George, Joel Embiid, and Tyrese Maxey leading the way, the Sixers are built to contend. Yabusele’s ability to knock down open threes, crash the boards, and bring energy off the bench can be exactly what the team needs to complement their star power. If he can continue to shoot the way he did in Europe and bring that same level of intensity to the NBA, he could find himself playing significant minutes in Nick Nurse’s rotation.
This isn’t just a redemption story for Yabusele; it’s also a story of a team that’s looking to add the right pieces around its core to make a deep playoff run. Every championship team needs role players who can step up when needed, and Yabusele has the potential to be one of those players for the Sixers. His journey from Boston to Real Madrid and now back to the NBA is a reminder that persistence and hard work can pay off, even when the odds seem stacked against you.
In conclusion, while Paul George’s arrival in Philadelphia has rightfully garnered the most attention, the addition of Guerschon Yabusele is a move that could pay dividends for the Sixers in the long run. His improved shooting, relentless energy, and versatility make him an exciting player to watch as the season unfolds. If Yabusele can continue to build on his success from Europe and make the necessary adjustments to the NBA game, he could become a valuable piece in the Sixers’ quest for a championship. Keep an eye on this guy—he might just surprise you!
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