Real Madrid's sporting project suffered a tough return to the August finals when Guerschon Yabusele, one of the key parts of the team in the final hours, decided to leave the Spanish capital to return to the NBA. It was the 29th of August when the white club announced the signing of the French winger, a news that came unexpectedly, with the plant waiting for you and the team ready to start the season. Despite the doubts and critics who operated in going back to his decision, time has shown that Yabusele's leap to the state league was a careful and strategic move in his career.
After winning the plata medal with the selection of France at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and after becoming one of the most important players of the tournament, his American went to Yabusele's door. The Philadelphia 76ers, one of the historic franchises of the NBA, have offered a contract worth 12 million dollars for four seasons, trusting in their versatility and strength as players. Even though I had already had previous experience in the NBA between 2017 and 2019, Yabusele accepted this new return, knowing that he was treated to a unique opportunity in his career.
Yabusele's decision was not simple. With Real Madrid, he consolidated his position as one of the best pivots in Europe, as well as major titles, including the Euroliga in 2023. The Wizink Center has converted to his house and the white passion for his family. However, at his 28 years old (he will be born on December 29), the French knew that receiving an offer like that of the Sixers would be impossible, especially when dealing with a franchise with serious ambitions in the Este conference. Although many critics doubt his ability to succeed in a more competitive and advanced NBA, Yabusele has proven to everyone that he belongs in this league.
In just a month of competition, the Franks have become one of the most pleasant surprises for the Sixers. His performance on the track was remarkable, despite the team going through a complicated season.
A promising debut with an apuros team
Yabusele's adventure with the Philadelphia 76ers coincides with a difficult time for the franchise. The injuries of key figures such as Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and Paul George, caused by some internal conflicts, have left the crew in a precarious situation. Currently, the Sixers occupy the penultimate place of the Este Conference, with a record of 3 victories and 12 defeats. Even though the team started out as one of the favorites to compete in the ring, it seems that, now, their goal will simply be classified in the playoffs and remain in a period that I consider very deceptive.
However, in a mediocre landscape, Yabusele shined as a top-notch individual. In his last game, the French scored their first double-double in the NBA, with 10 points, 11 rebounds and 3 assists in the victory against the Brooklyn Nets. With Embiid's help, coach Nick Nurse relied on Yabusele as the primary starter, and she responded strongly, showing great offensive and defensive ability. This new Yabusele was very much of the player who lived the Boston Celtics between 2017 and 2019, a stage in which he did not consolidate. Now, the French seem more maduro, intelligent in the game and adapted to the rhythm of the match.
During the 2024-25 season, Yabusele played in 14 games, averaging 9.3 points and 4.8 rebounds in 21.1 minutes per game. Furthermore, he has proven to be a reliable shooter from long range, with an impressive 41% on threes, noting 1.6 per game. His two-point shooting efficiency is also destable, with 61% sensitivity. These numbers have led the French to pass Andre Drummond in the rotation, solidifying himself as an important piece in the Sixers' scheme.
The impact of his exit to Real Madrid
Yabusele's march had a significant stay in Real Madrid, which was in the midst of a renewal process between the retreats of legends such as Rudy Fernández and Sergio Rodríguez, as well as the rises of key players such as Fabien Causeur, Carlos Alocén and Vincent Poirier. The unexpected climb of the French wing-pívot complicated even more the planes of the trainer Chus Mateo, who was obliged to rebuild the internal rotation of the team.
To accommodate Yabusele's ausencia, Real Madrid incorporated Usman Garuba and Serge Ibaka, two players with experience in the NBA. However, not a single one of them was able to recall the dejado figure for the Frenchman, who was a central figure both in attack and in defence. The lack of consistency in the internal game is one of the factors that explain the irregular start of the white team's time in the Euroliga, where they currently occupy the tenth position with a negative balance of 5 wins and 6 defeats.
Real Madrid, forced to compete for all the titles, is far from its objectives, and Yabusele's ausencia was a difficult goal to overcome. His ability to note down different positions, his versatility in defense and his ability to act in a few moments were fundamental elements in the scheme of Chus Mateo, who today looks for alternatives to transfer the crew to the send of success.
A great tip for Yabusele
Guerschon Yabusele's decision to return to the NBA proved to be an unquestionable steel. Despite initial criticism, the French are proving to have the talent and strength needed to triumph in the best league in the world. His impact on the Philadelphia 76ers, as well as the team's rotation, is clear evidence of relevance at this level.
For Real Madrid, his exit was a difficult record to replace a player of his caliber. As Whites try to adapt to this new reality, Yabusele continues to write his own story in the NBA, cementing him as one of this season's most departed names.
At the age of 28, the French winger is in the best moment of his career, combining experience, talent and ambition. Although the Sixers' future as a team is still uncertain, Yabusele's seems clearer than ever: he is a player with an assured place in the league and who, without a doubt, will continue giving what he has.
