French power forward Guerschon Yabusele, Congolese roots, will not play with Cameroonian center Joel Embiid any more. The one who became famous in the United States after his tremendous dunk on Lebron James during the basketball final of the 2024 Olympic Games made his choice. Exit Philadelphia, and welcome in Big Apple!
Great moves in New York City in this summertime. After the departure of coach Tom Thibodeau who was replaced by Mike Brown, the Manhattan franchise signed Guerschon Yabusele in the last couple of days. The French Congolese power forward signed for 2 years after an accomplished season with the Sixers, individually speaking, in spite of Philly’s incapacity to reach the playoffs last season (thirteenth in the East).
Yabusele was drafted in 2016 by the Boston Celtics, but never made it in Massachusetts. He came back in Europe and played for Asvel (France) and Real Madrid (Spain). After the lost final against Team USA in the last OG, the 29-year-old player tried his luck again in the US, this time with the Sixers. His decision turned into a good idea: with 11 points, 5,6 rebounds and 2,1 assists in 27 minutes played, Yabusele was convincing even though Philadelphia was terrible.
Things should be better for him in New York since the Knicks are fighting for the title. Last season was a real performance, and the teammates of Jalen Brunson reached the final of the Eastern Conference, unfortunately lost against the Indiana Pacers. In New York, Yabusele will be well surrounded with Towns, Hart, Brunson, Anunoby or Bridges.
The starting lineup of the Knicks seems to be already known, but who knows what Mike Brown will do? No doubt that the bench will have his word to say with the new coach, which was not always the case with Thibs, famous for making the same ones play again and again. Jordan Clarkson also joined the Knicks from Utah.
Guillaume Mahot