The Philadelphia 76ers are set to sign French forward Guerschon Yabusele, one of the standout players from the Paris Olympics, in a move that could significantly impact their upcoming season. According to a source confirmed to NBC Sports Philadelphia, the team has agreed to a one-year, minimum salary deal with Yabusele, valued at $2.1 million. This news follows initial reports by The Athletic’s Shams Charania and ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski regarding the Sixers’ serious negotiations with the player.
Yabusele, known by his nickname “The Dancing Bear,” is a 28-year-old power forward who has demonstrated considerable growth since his NBA debut. Standing approximately 6-foot-8 and weighing 270 pounds, Yabusele’s size and agility make him a formidable presence on the court. His development was particularly notable during his recent tenure with Real Madrid, where he averaged 9.7 points and 4.0 rebounds per game across all competitions last season. His shooting efficiency was also impressive, hitting 44.5 percent of his three-point attempts on 2.7 tries per game.
The Sixers’ interest in Yabusele intensified following his standout performances at the Paris Olympics. Over France’s last two victories, which secured their place in the gold medal game, Yabusele scored a total of 39 points on 13-for-20 shooting from the field. His notable performance included a remarkable 20-point game in the final against the United States, where he showcased his skills with a highlight-reel dunk over LeBron James.
Before his success in Europe and on the international stage, Yabusele was drafted by the Boston Celtics with the No. 16 overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft. His time in the NBA was limited, with Yabusele averaging 2.3 points and 1.4 rebounds in 74 appearances during the 2017-18 and 2018-19 seasons. However, his overseas experience and recent performances suggest he has developed into a more well-rounded and impactful player.
The signing of Yabusele is expected to provide the Sixers with a valuable asset at the power forward position, potentially serving as a key option behind Caleb Martin. As the Sixers prepare to finalize the deal, Yabusele’s presence will add depth to the roster. Currently, the team is one player short of the maximum 15 standard NBA contracts. Sixers president of basketball operations, Daryl Morey, indicated last month that the team planned to keep an open roster spot to address needs as they arise throughout the season.
With Yabusele joining the team, head coach Nick Nurse will have another versatile player at his disposal, offering flexibility in the lineup and potentially boosting the team’s performance. This strategic move underscores the Sixers’ commitment to building a competitive roster and their willingness to invest in players who can make a significant impact on both ends of the court. As the season approaches, the addition of Yabusele will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike, eager to see how his talents will translate to the NBA stage.
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