After a remarkable showing in the Paris Olympics, French forward Guerschon Yabusele is making his return to the NBA, signing a one-year deal with the Philadelphia 76ers.
Yabusele, who helped France secure a silver medal in the Olympics, quickly transitioned from international competition to inking a $2.1 million contract with the Sixers, as reported by ESPN.
Nicknamed “The Dancing Bear” for his agility and power on the court, Yabusele has been on a journey that took him from the NBA to Europe and back again.
The former Boston Celtics first-round pick in the 2016 NBA Draft initially struggled to find his footing in the league, appearing in just 74 games over two seasons before being waived in 2019.
His path then led him to China, followed by a stint with ASVEL in France-a team owned by NBA Hall of Famer Tony Parker-before joining Real Madrid in 2021.
At Real Madrid, Yabusele played a key role in the team’s success, helping them capture the EuroLeague title in 2023 and consistently reaching the final four of the competition.
Last season, he averaged 9.6 points per game and shot an impressive 43% from beyond the arc.
However, it was during the Olympics that Yabusele truly showcased his talent, averaging 14 points per game and delivering standout performances that included a posterizing dunk over LeBron James during France’s gold medal game against Team USA.
His Olympic run not only highlighted his growth as a player but also caught the attention of NBA scouts, leading to renewed interest from the league.
Yabusele’s return to the NBA comes after resolving a $2.5 million buyout with Real Madrid, with the Sixers covering up to $850,000 of that amount, according to league rules.
The 76ers, who fell short in the playoffs last season, are looking to bolster their roster, which now includes stars like Paul George, Joel Embiid, and Tyrese Maxey.
Yabusele’s versatility and recent international experience could provide head coach Nick Nurse with additional depth as the team prepares for the upcoming season.
As Yabusele himself expressed on social media, he’s been waiting for this second chance and is ready to make the most of it.
Philadelphia fans will be keeping a close eye on the Frenchman to see if the forward’s Olympic momentum can translate into a successful NBA comeback.