Guerschon Yabusele’s basketball journey has been a winding one, taking him from his early days in France to the NBA, then on to the international stage, and now back to the NBA with the Philadelphia 76ers. Known for his size, athleticism, and powerful plays, Yabusele made headlines recently after an impressive dunk over LeBron James. Reflecting on that moment and his new role with the 76ers, Yabusele shared his outlook, expressing, “I’m just trying to move forward.”
The dunk over LeBron has generated significant buzz, as any high-flying play against one of the game’s greatest does. Yabusele, however, remains grounded about it. “It was a great moment, of course,” he shared, “but I’m not trying to get caught up in it. At the end of the day, it was just one play in one game, and I’m here to play hard, contribute to my team, and keep improving.” His words reflect the mindset of a player who is keen to establish himself and make an impact in the NBA, beyond one highlight moment.
Yabusele’s journey in professional basketball has been marked by resilience. Drafted 16th overall by the Boston Celtics in 2016, he showed promise with his energy and athleticism. However, after two seasons in Boston, he struggled to find consistent playing time. This led him to play internationally, where he spent time with the Chinese Basketball Association and then with Real Madrid in Spain. It was during his time overseas that Yabusele continued to develop his skillset and gain experience, building his reputation as a versatile forward.
Now, with the Philadelphia 76ers, Yabusele is embracing a fresh opportunity in the NBA. “Coming to Philadelphia, I wanted to be in an environment where I could contribute and grow with the team,” he said. Under the guidance of head coach Nick Nurse, Yabusele has found himself in a dynamic system that values defensive versatility, three-point shooting, and high basketball IQ—all of which align well with his skill set. “Coach has given me clear goals: play strong defense, bring energy, and make the right plays. It’s straightforward, and I’m focused on doing what the team needs.”
In his role with the 76ers, Yabusele has already become a fan favorite due to his high-energy style and team-first attitude. His defensive presence and ability to run the floor add value to a Philadelphia team that is aiming for a deep playoff run. Yabusele’s physicality also provides the 76ers with much-needed depth in their frontcourt, helping to support stars like Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, and contributing to their strong early-season record.
Reflecting on his journey from the NBA to overseas leagues and now back, Yabusele acknowledged the challenges he’s faced. “It hasn’t been easy. But those experiences have made me tougher and more adaptable. I’ve learned to appreciate every game and focus on the next step.”
For Yabusele, this season is about taking each game as it comes, rather than focusing on individual achievements. “Of course, moments like the dunk on LeBron are amazing, but I’m here to be a part of something bigger. I’m just trying to move forward and help this team win,” he said.
As Yabusele continues to carve out his role with the 76ers, his steady approach and focus on growth are exactly what his team needs. For now, he’s content to make the most of his opportunities in Philadelphia—one play, one game, and one step forward at a time.