Guerschon Yabusele Joins the Knicks: A New Chapter in New York Basketball
Introduction
Guerschon Yabusele, the talented 29-year-old forward, is ready to make his mark with the New York Knicks. Recently, Yabusele shared his thoughts on why he believes he’ll be a perfect fit for the team in an exclusive interview with SKWEEK.
Why Yabusele Chose the Knicks
Yabusele didn’t hold back when discussing his decision to join the Knicks.
Fit with Team Philosophy
“I think the Knicks was a great decision,” he expressed. “I feel like their team really matched my DNA. To fight, to play hard, to be kind of like the underdogs who go and fight every night.”
Observations on Team Chemistry
His admiration for the Knicks extends to the camaraderie within the squad. “It’s a couple of teams that we played against, and I was looking at them like, ‘Oh my god, this team plays good together.’ I can tell it’s a good group of guys,” he noted.
A Look Back at Yabusele’s Career
Born in France, Yabusele was drafted 16th overall by the Boston Celtics in 2016. However, his NBA journey didn’t unfold as expected, appearing in just 74 games over two seasons.
European Success
After his time in Boston, Yabusele transitioned to Europe, where he became one of the most prominent players. Here are some highlights:
- Real Madrid Tenure (2021-2024): During his time at Real Madrid, Yabusele helped lead the team to a EuroLeague Championship in 2023.
- ACB League Titles: He also clinched Spanish ACB league titles in both 2022 and 2024.
Return to the NBA
Yabusele’s impressive performance during the 2024 Paris Olympics for the French national team opened doors for his return to the NBA. Last season, he played for the Philadelphia 76ers, achieving an average of:
- 11 points per game
- 5.6 rebounds per game
- 50.1% shooting from the field
- 38% from beyond the arc
What to Expect from Yabusele with the Knicks
Yabusele has signed a two-year contract worth approximately $12 million with a player option for the second year. He’s anticipated to contribute significantly to the Knicks’ frontcourt alongside stars like Karl-Anthony Towns and Mitchell Robinson.
Coach and Roster Changes
In addition to Yabusele’s signing, the Knicks made headlines by hiring Mike Brown as their new head coach and securing veteran guard Jordan Clarkson in free agency.
Conclusion
“I can’t wait to start,” Yabusele said, radiating enthusiasm about his new journey. His outlook on joining the Knicks epitomizes a thrilling opportunity as he aims to blend his fighting spirit with the team’s ambitions. As he puts it, “It’s the right place at the right time.”
For further insights on Yabusele, check out more about his Olympic performance, or dive deeper into the latest Knicks news and roster updates here.
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