The 2024 Olympic men's basketball tournament proved to be a platform for showcasing both seasoned superstars and emerging talents. Among the celebrated names of LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Nikola Jokic, and Victor Wembanyama, one player managed to stand out due to his remarkable performance - French forward Guerschon Yabusele.
An Impressive Olympic Run
Guerschon Yabusele, who was the No. 16 pick in the 2016 NBA Draft by the Boston Celtics, marked his presence in the tournament with a series of standout performances. Averaging 14 points per game, Yabusele was a consistent contributor for his team. His defining moment, however, came when he executed a stunning dunk over basketball legend LeBron James, etching his name into the annals of memorable Olympic moments.
Life After the NBA
Since parting ways with the NBA in 2019, Yabusele has been carving out a successful career in international basketball. Currently signed with Real Madrid, Yabusele's contract extends for another season and includes a $2.5 million buyout clause. Intriguingly, had the buyout occurred before July 15, it would have been significantly lower at $1 million.
Financial Hurdles
NBA teams are permitted to contribute a maximum of $850,000 towards a player's international buyout. This rule leaves a considerable portion of the buyout to be managed by the player. In Yabusele's case, he would need to cover the remaining $1.65 million of his buyout if he were to return to the NBA. Financially, a one-year guaranteed minimum contract in the NBA would offer him just under $2.1 million, a figure that reflects his limited two-year service in the league.
Risk vs. Reward
The stakes are high for Yabusele. If he only manages to secure a training camp invite and fails to clinch a spot on an NBA roster, he risks losing his contract with Real Madrid along with the buyout payment. Despite the financial gamble, Yabusele remains optimistic about his prospects, as he expressed, "Been waiting for a 2nd chance... I'm ready."
Sharpshooter from Beyond the Arc
A notable aspect of Yabusele's game is his proficiency from beyond the arc. With a shooting efficiency of 40.7% on 3.3 attempts per game in his international career, he provides a valuable asset in today's perimeter-focused game. His shooting ability could make him a coveted player for teams needing a reliable scorer from three-point range.
As training camps are still more than a month away, Yabusele has time to weigh his options. The next few weeks will be critical as he decides whether to stay the course with Real Madrid or bet on securing a spot back in the NBA. Should he choose the latter, Yabusele’s journey will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike, rooting for a triumphant return to the world's most prestigious basketball league.