Guerschon Yabusele signs with Sixers following sensational Olympic run

France forward Guerschon Yabusele will reportedly sign a one-year deal with the Philadelphia 76ers after his impressive Paris Olympic outing, sources told The Athletic’s Shams Charania. 

The 6-foot-8 forward averaged 14 points per game for France’s silver medal finish. He started in all three knockout games for the French side, proving his value as a physical scorer and a capable floor spacer. Yabusele served as one of France’s main offensive weapons, using his bruising presence alongside French phenom Victor Wembanyama. Yabusele also had one of the memorable moments of the Games, when he dunked over Team USA superstar LeBron James in the gold medal game. 

The 28-year-old will now shore up a Sixers frontline in need of a true 4. Philadelphia has had a stacked offseason, signing marquee free agent Paul George to form a big three with Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. The Sixers also snagged away Caleb Martin from the Miami Heat to slot him at the 4 spot, but he is kind of undersized there so this is where Yabusele could prove his value. Philadelphia is trying to pivot to a switchable lineup at the wings to pair with Embiid and Maxey and Yabusele fits that bill with his frame and defensive versatility. 

Yabusele will make his NBA comeback following an inspired effort in Paris. He was notably drafted by Sixers rival Boston Celtics in 2016 and played there from 2016 to 2019 before being released. Yabusele spent his last few years playing professionally in the Euroleague for Real Madrid before starring for France and earning back his NBA opportunity again this summer.