What Happened to Guerschon Yabusele in the NBA and Where Is He Now?

I remember watching Guerschon Yabusele's NBA journey with genuine fascination, partly because as a French basketball fan, I've always had a soft spot for our homegrown talents making it overseas. When the Boston Celtics drafted him 16th overall in the 2016 NBA Draft, I thought we were witnessing the rise of another international star. His combination of size at 6'8" and surprising agility made him such an intriguing prospect, though if I'm being completely honest, I always wondered if his game would translate perfectly to the NBA's pace and style.

The reality is that Yabusele's NBA stint lasted just two seasons with the Celtics from 2017 to 2019, and he appeared in only 74 total games during that period. I recall watching him mostly come off the bench, averaging around 2.4 points and 1.3 rebounds in about 7 minutes per game during his final season. Those numbers might not jump off the page, but what stuck with me was his energy and that infectious smile he always played with, even when he wasn't getting major minutes. The "Dancing Bear" nickname perfectly captured his unique blend of power and unexpected grace for a player of his build.

What happened to Guerschon Yabusele after the NBA is where his story gets really interesting, at least from my perspective. He returned to Europe and signed with ASVEL in France, which was actually a homecoming since he'd played there before his NBA journey. This transition reminds me of how players sometimes need to find the right environment to truly flourish, much like what we're seeing with Justin Brownlee's situation that's been in the news recently. When Brownlee faced health concerns that affected his performance with Barangay Ginebra, it highlighted how an athlete's career trajectory can change dramatically based on their physical condition and finding the right team fit.

Yabusele's career resurgence in Europe has been nothing short of remarkable. After his time with ASVEL, he moved to Real Madrid, where he's truly found his stride. I've watched several of his EuroLeague games, and the confidence he plays with now is noticeably different from his NBA days. He's developed into a much more complete player, comfortable creating his own shot and making decisive plays in crucial moments. Last season, he averaged about 12 points and 5 rebounds in EuroLeague play, numbers that don't fully capture his impact on both ends of the floor.

Where is Guerschon Yabusele now? Well, he's become one of the standout players for Real Madrid, helping them secure the 2023 EuroLeague championship. Watching him in that final against Olympiacos, I was struck by how far he's come since his Boston days. He contributed 10 points in that championship game, but more importantly, he made several key defensive stops that don't show up in the basic stat sheet. His journey makes me think about how we often judge players too quickly based on their NBA performance alone, when basketball success can manifest in many different contexts.

The parallel with Justin Brownlee's situation is interesting to consider. When news broke about Brownlee's health condition affecting his availability for Barangay Ginebra, it reminded me that athletes' careers are constantly evolving narratives. Just as Brownlee's situation presents both challenges and opportunities for his team, Yabusele's move away from the NBA ultimately opened up a path to becoming a European basketball star. Sometimes what seems like a setback can actually redirect a player toward an environment where they can truly excel.

These days, Yabusele has also reclaimed his spot on the French national team, which I personally find incredibly rewarding to watch. He was part of the squad that won silver at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, and his performance in international competitions has been consistently solid. Having followed his entire journey, I've come to appreciate that success isn't always about sticking in the NBA – it's about finding where you can make the greatest impact and be valued for your contributions.

Reflecting on what happened to Guerschon Yabusele in the NBA and where he is now, I'm reminded that basketball careers rarely follow straight paths. His story is one of adaptation and finding the right fit, much like the ongoing narrative with Justin Brownlee's health and team situation. Yabusele may not have become the NBA star some projected, but he's carved out an impressive career that many players would envy. He's proof that sometimes stepping away from the bright lights of the NBA can lead to a different kind of success – one that's perhaps more fulfilling in the long run.