In the 2016 NBA Draft, the Boston Celtics made headlines with their three first-round picks. Their first selection was Jaylen Brown, a cornerstone of the franchise. Later in the draft, they selected Guerschon Yabusele, a six-foot-eight power forward from France, hoping to add depth and energy to their roster.
During his two seasons with the Celtics, Yabusele became a fan favorite, not for his on-court production but for his infectious personality and iconic bow-and-arrow three-point celebration. His positivity was a boon to the locker room, fostering a strong team environment. However, his statistical output was modest, averaging just 2.3 points and 1.4 rebounds in 6.6 minutes across 74 games.
After the 2018-19 season, Yabusele took his talents overseas, where his game flourished. Playing in China, France, and a three-year stint with Real Madrid—where he won a EuroLeague title—Yabusele honed his skills and developed into a more complete player. His standout performance for France at the 2024 Olympics showcased his growth, catching the attention of NBA scouts.
This led to a second chance in the NBA with the Philadelphia 76ers during the 2024-25 season. Despite the team’s struggles, Yabusele emerged as a bright spot, averaging 11.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.1 assists while shooting an impressive 38 percent from beyond the arc on 3.9 attempts per game.
As Yabusele approaches unrestricted free agency this summer, he sat down with HoopsHype to reflect on his journey and the pivotal role the Celtics played in his comeback. “Even though I was not with Boston anymore, I learned so much from that season,” Yabusele shared. “It helped me for the second part of my career after that. It really pushed me. It really, like, I had that mentality of loving basketball. Because I know I love basketball. But if you’re in a situation where you don’t play, it’s hard. I missed it. And I was like, you know what? I want to play now. I want to be somewhere where I always play.”
Yabusele’s time in Boston, though limited in minutes, instilled a resilience that fueled his determination to find the right opportunities. His overseas journey allowed him to rediscover his passion for the game, and now, at 29, he’s eager to cement his place in the NBA. “I really, really want to stay in the NBA now that I have a real reason over there. I want to do some more,” he said. “Watching the playoffs, you see those guys having fun, and I want to be there. My competitive side is pushing me to work hard this summer, to get everything I can to come back next season and crush it even more.”
As Yabusele prepares for the next chapter, NBA teams are taking notice. With his improved skill set, international accolades, and renewed hunger, the former Celtics draft pick is poised to make a significant impact—proving that his time in Boston, though brief, was a crucial stepping stone to his resurgence.