Guerschon Yabusele's basketball career has taken unexpected turns, culminating in his latest chapter with the Philadelphia 76ers as he gears up for a pivotal Christmas Day showdown against his former team, the Boston Celtics. After initially believing his NBA career was over following his release from the Celtics, Yabusele's perseverance and hard work have brought him back to the spotlight.
The dramatic shift began during the 2019 NBA Summer League when Danny Ainge, then president of basketball operations for the Celtics, delivered the crushing news to Yabusele: the team had decided to waive him. 'You know when we say, 'The eyes don’t lie?' I could tell something was going on,' Yabusele recalled. This marked the end of his brief tenure with Boston, during which he averaged just 6.6 minutes over 74 games.
With hope dimmed and uncertainty looming, Yabusele embarked on what would become a transformative international career, spending time playing for teams across China, France, and even powerhouse Real Madrid. Despite facing adversity, including injuries and contract disputes, Yabusele found ways to adapt and improve, eventually catching the attention of the Sixers with his standout Olympic performance.
'I know how hard it is to come back [to the NBA],' Yabusele admitted, but his Olympic showing, which included one jaw-dropping dunk over LeBron James, showcased his evolution as a player. Soon after, the Sixers signed him to a veteran-minimum contract, marking his triumphant return to the league.
The re-entry proved fruitful for Yabusele, as he's become one of the reliable contributors for his team during what has been a challenging season littered with injuries. Currently, he is averaging 9.4 points per game and has participated in all 27 games this season. 'He's like a teddy bear off the court, but on the court, he is a grizzly bear,' said teammate Kelly Oubre Jr. of Yabusele, highlighting his contrasting personas.
With the upcoming game against the Celtics, Yabusele’s story serves as motivation for aspiring players everywhere. He emphasizes, 'Whatever situation you go through, even if you think it’s the end of the world, you’ve got to keep working hard. If you want to make your dream come true, believe in yourself, and it will largely help.' His determination reflects his desire to succeed after having faced professional challenges and setbacks.
Born and raised in Dreux, France, Yabusele first pursued soccer and boxing before being drawn to basketball. A chance encounter with local player Farid Dali during his after-school program directed him onto this path. After signing his first professional contract with Chorale Roanne Basket in 2013, he grew increasingly confident about his dreams of playing basketball.
Drafted by the Celtics with the 16th overall pick, Yabusele initially joined a stacked team featuring stars like Jayson Tatum and Kyrie Irving. Yet, after limited playtime during his two seasons, he faced the harsh reality of being waived. While the decision left him disheartened, it also fueled his determination to emerge stronger.
His path to resilience wasn't straightforward. Following his exit from the Celtics, Yabusele's venture abroad included challenges, ranging from injuries to issues with contracts and even his discomfort with the local cuisine during his stint with the Nanjing Monkey Kings. He later found success back home and with Real Madrid, winning multiple championships and becoming recognized for his prowess on the court.
Yet, it was during the Olympics, where he delivered standout performances, particularly against Team USA, which greatly influenced the Sixers’ decision to sign him. Head coach Nick Nurse noted how Yabusele's efforts exceeded expectations, especially considering the adversities he had to navigate.
Fast forward to today, Yabusele is focused on the challenge at hand as he prepares to face the Celtics on Christmas Day. Each game presents him with yet another opportunity to cement his renewed identity as not just another player but as someone who learned and grew from the game through setbacks. He intends to make the most of this opportunity.
With this second chance, Yabusele understands the rarity of his position and is determined to showcase his evolved skills on the court. 'I’ve got to be the hungriest on the court,' he asserts, expressing gratitude for his opportunity and reflecting on the lessons learned through his arduous yet fulfilling basketball odyssey. This Christmas, as he battles against his former team, Yabusele's story of resilience not only defines his struggles but also serves as inspiration for aspiring athletes everywhere.
