Former Celtics 1st-Rd Pick States Desire for NBA Return After Impressing at Olympics
![Aug 10, 2024; Paris, France; France power forward Guerschon Yabusele (7) dunks against United States guard Devin Booker (15) and centre Joel Embiid (11) in the first quarter in the men's basketball gold medal game during the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games at Accor Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports Aug 10, 2024; Paris, France; France power forward Guerschon Yabusele (7) dunks against United States guard Devin Booker (15) and centre Joel Embiid (11) in the first quarter in the men's basketball gold medal game during the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games at Accor Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_7812,h_4394,x_0,y_446/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/inside_the_celtics/01j5233wbejjmmzryggr.jpg)
A bold decision by Vincent Collet, the head coach of France's men's basketball team, helped propel the host country to the gold medal game after an inauspicious start that pre-dated the Olympics.
France entered group play having lost their last four exhibition contests. They then squeaked by Japan, 94-90, and lost to Germany by 14. Entering their quarterfinal matchup against Canada, widely regarded as the second-most talented team in the tournament behind the U.S., Collet moved four-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert to the second unit, starting Guerschon Yabusele in his place.
The six-foot-eight power forward responded with a team-high 22 points, helping lead France past Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jamal Murray, and a roster featuring ten NBA players.
In France's final three games, Yabusele averaged 19.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.0 steals per contest. That includes a 20-point performance in the gold medal round against Team USA, where he posterized LeBron James.
GUERSCHON YABUSELE ON LEBRON JAMES. 😳
— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) August 10, 2024
📺 NBC and Peacock | #ParisOlympics pic.twitter.com/cjrH6Q9Epd
On the heels of an impressive Olympic showcase, Yabusele, who the Boston Celtics selected with the 16th overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft, has made it clear he'd like a second chance on basketball's most prominent stage.
Been waiting for a 2nd chance.. I’m ready 😤🧸
— Guerschon Yabusele (@yabusele28) August 11, 2024
In his two years with the Celtics, he averaged 2.3 points and 1.4 rebounds in 6.6 minutes of floor time across 74 games. He converted on 32.3 percent of the 0.9 threes he hoisted.
As a more seasoned player than the one who left Boston at 23, Yabusele, who turns 29 in December, just put together an Olympic run that will at least have teams considering whether to extend an invitation for him to join them at training camp.
Further Reading
Jayson Tatum Opens Up About 'Challenging and Humbling' Olympic Experience
Jayson Tatum Joins Michael Jordan, LeBron James on Historic List After Winning Gold
Jrue Holiday Makes History in Team USA's Gold Medal Win
Fenway Sports Group Considering Buying the Celtics
Here's What to Know about Jaylen Brown's Boston XChange
Jayson Tatum Gets Candid about Relationship with Jaylen Brown
Jaylen Brown 'Wasn't Surprised' by Olympic Snub: 'All the Motivation in the World'
Celtics Rookie Anton Watson Shares Brad Stevens' Message to Him
Celtics' Coaching Staff Changes Match Theme of Boston's Offseason