In 2016, the Boston Celtics welcomed a promising rookie class, headlined by the third overall pick, Jaylen Brown. Brown has since become a cornerstone of the franchise, playing a pivotal role in their 2024 NBA Championship victory and earning both Eastern Conference Finals and NBA Finals MVP honors. However, another notable name from that draft class, Guerschon Yabusele, selected 16th overall, has recently opened up about his challenging journey since his time with the Celtics.
Yabusele, a French native, spent two seasons with Boston before being waived in 2019. During his tenure with the team, the forward struggled to secure consistent playing time, averaging just 6.6 minutes across 74 games. Reflecting on his time with the Celtics, Yabusele recently shared a candid perspective, revealing a “completely different” mentality compared to his current mindset.
“It was a completely different mentality than when I was in Boston, because when I was in Boston, I was drafted first round, 16th pick, so my standards and what I was hoping was completely different from right now,” Yabusele told HoopsHype’s Cyro Asseo de Choch. “I didn’t have that much experience, too. I was really just young, and I wanted just to play.”
After being waived by the Celtics, Yabusele took his talents overseas, playing internationally before making a triumphant return to the NBA in 2024. His impressive performance during the Olympics caught the attention of the Philadelphia 76ers, who signed the 29-year-old forward. Since joining the 76ers, Yabusele has been a consistent presence on the court, appearing in nearly every game for the team this season.
As Yabusele approaches unrestricted free agency this summer, his future in the NBA remains uncertain. Whether he stays with Philadelphia or signs elsewhere, his resurgence in the league is a testament to his resilience and growth since his early days in Boston. Yabusele’s journey serves as an inspiring reminder that a setback, like being waived by a team, can lead to a remarkable comeback. His story will undoubtedly be one to watch during the upcoming offseason.