Guerschon Yabusele has become an impressive player over the past five years – and is ready to return to the NBA.
Yabusele spent two seasons in Boston from 2017 to 2019, but Yabusele Celtics fans remember that he wasn’t as strong, his game wasn’t as polished and mature, and he wasn’t even close to a player.
Yabusele averaged 14 points per game, shooting 51.9% in Paris and caught the attention of some NBA officials during the Games – and he says he wants to return to the NBA.
I was waiting for a second chance. I’m ready
-Guerschon Yabusele (@yabusele28) August 11, 2024
He looked ready in Paris, although teams rely on him to space the floor (he shot 39.4% from 3 for Real Madrid last season, but 28.6% for France at the Olympics). Then there is the question of money.
Yabusele, 28, is under contract with Spanish powerhouse Real Madrid for next season, but with a $2.5 million buyout from the NBA, reports Marc Stein (which adds that it was a $1 million purchase before July 15th, but teams weren’t interested at the time). Is a team interested enough in Yabusele to pay $2.5 million on top of his salary — will he want more than the minimum — to bring him in this season?
The most likely outcome is that teams will call him next summer to see if they can agree on terms.
Another notable French player was striker Mathias Lessort, who plays for Panathinaikos in the Greek championship. According to Ian Begley of SNY.TVhe and the Knicks talked this offseason (before the Paris Olympics).
Did the Knicks consider Lessort as they searched for frontcourt depth earlier this offseason? They did. New York inquired about Lessort’s interest in signing, but the player and team were unable to find common ground. The Knicks still have one spot open on their 15-man roster.
The Knicks’ offer was likely for a non-guaranteed minimum contract for Lessort, who decided his deal in Greece was better than that. Will Lessort’s performance in Paris cause the Knicks to increase their offer next offseason? It’s something to archive and remember.
