Basketball Stars Light Up the Olympics
The 2024 Olympic men's basketball tournament was nothing short of spectacular, featuring some of the biggest names in the sport such as LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Nikola Jokic, and the emerging talent Victor Wembanyama. Among the standout performers was French forward Guerschon Yabusele, who demonstrated remarkable skill and determination throughout the games.
Yabusele, who was the 16th pick in the 2016 NBA Draft selected by the Boston Celtics, hasn't played in the NBA since 2019. However, his performance on the international stage has been nothing short of impressive. He averaged 14 points per game and delivered one of the most memorable moments of the tournament by executing a dunk over none other than LeBron James himself.
Currently, Yabusele is under contract with Real Madrid, but the future remains uncertain. His contract, which includes a $2.5 million buyout clause, stipulates that if the buyout had occurred before July 15, it would have cost $1 million. NBA teams are only allowed to contribute up to $850,000 towards an international buyout, leaving the remaining $1.65 million to be paid by Yabusele.
Yabusele's Shooting Prowess
Yabusele has shown significant proficiency in his shooting, having a 40.7% efficiency from beyond the arc on 3.3 attempts per game in his international career. Such efficiency makes him a valuable player for any team looking to add a reliable shooter to their roster.
The financial aspect of his potential switch back to the NBA is a major hurdle. With only two years of NBA service under his belt, a one-year guaranteed minimum contract would earn him less than $2.1 million. This puts him in a precarious position; if he only secures a training camp invite, he risks losing his contract with Real Madrid and the buyout payment without any certainty of making it onto an NBA roster.
Despite the financial and logistical challenges, Yabusele remains optimistic and ready for new opportunities. "Been waiting for a 2nd chance... I'm ready," he stated, reflecting his desire to prove himself once more on the biggest stage in basketball.
Training camps are on the horizon, scheduled to commence in just over a month. Yabusele's next moves will be closely watched by basketball analysts and fans alike, as his journey embodies the crossroads faced by many international players striving to return to or break into the NBA.