Though France didn't take home a gold medal, they did manage a performance that led to a second place silver. It's still a great achievement that they should be proud of. Many eyes were watching the alien Victor Wembanyama, but there was one player who really turned heads. That would be the former Boston Celtics power forward Guerschon Yabusele. He was an absolute beast for France, and he truly took the lead in many of these games. The growth he has had is incredible and he deserves another shot in the NBA.
From bench spot to explosive starter
Yabusele didn't have the best start in the NBA. He finished his second season averaging just 2.3 points per game. He didn't have a very athletic build and moved slowly up the court. The 2024 Paris Olympics was a whole other story.
The French forward put on an incredible show for his country. His first few games were a bit shaky, but he made up for things in the match against Team Canada. There, he scored 22 points and had five rebounds, helping France get the win. He played with an insane amount of energy and was explosive with the ball.
Perhaps his biggest performance, though, was against Team USA in that gold medal game. He finished with 20 points, two steals, and two rebounds. During this game, he dominated the paint. What really put eyes on him was when he put LeBron James on a poster. The stadium went wild, and it even left U.S. fans in shock and awe. He really proved himself in this game.
Miami Heat could use Guerschon Yabusele
The Heat have a bright spot in forward Nikola Jovic, but the position is a bit lacking. Kevin Love is another option they have, but he isn't putting up the same numbers that he used to, and his career is almost over. Cole Swider has officially signed a deal with the Indiana Pacers and Keshad Johnson did just alright in the Summer League. Lastly, Haywood Highsmith is just not doing the job.
Yabusele could be a fantastic backup for the Heat if he can perform the way he did in the Olympics. He's 6'8", which makes it possible for him to slide into the center position behind Bam Adebayo. However, rookie Kel'el Ware will likely take that spot. The best scenario is for the Frenchman to follow Jovic in the depth chart, as Jaime Jaquez Jr. is typically a small forward.
Chicago Bulls need help down low
Right now, the Bulls are in limbo. Zach LaVine has been on and off the trade block and has been labeled as having zero trade value. Lonzo Ball will be coming off a huge injury that has kept off the court for multiple years. Lastly, DeMar DeRozan has packed his bags and headed to the Sacramento Kings. Looking at the roster, there's also a hole in the bigs department, including the power forward position.
Patrick Williams is number one on the depth chart right now for the position, averaging 10.0 points per game and 3.9 rebounds. They now have rookie Matas Buzelis, who has proven to be a fantastic choice after the Summer League. However, Yabusele could be the better backup option over Williams. The Bulls could really benefit from his strength and explosive offense on a roster that has been lacking lately.
Comments