The Celtics’ former first-round pick admits he doubts an NBA comeback

BOSTON – Guerschon Yabusele admitted it was “a special feeling” to be back in his first NBA home. The Celtics’ former first-round pick wasn’t sure if he would ever return as an NBA player, but here he was, preparing for his new team with the 76ers.

Although Yabusele was successful in securing a contract with the Sixers, it was never guaranteed that he would be back in the league. After being released by the Celtics in July 2019, Yabusele returned overseas, where he has played ever since. People dreamed of returning, but the chances never came. Yes, Yabusele admitted there were some doubts.

“It was five years ago and when summer came, of course I expected to get a call,” Yabusele said. “But it just made me work harder, keep pushing and never give up. And every time I went back to my team, I thought, ‘I have to do more.’ So it was just a long process, but I think it was much needed. I’m a different player now, I understand things better and I just keep pushing.”

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It turned out that Yabusele’s story was not intended to stay abroad. After successful years with EuroLeague star Real Madrid, during which he developed into a solid 3-and-D player, Yabusele experienced a summer that changed his career. At the Olympic Games in Paris in his home country, Yabusele shone for his home country France, including a dunk against LeBron James.

Yabusele didn’t miss his moment in the spotlight. Shortly after winning the silver medal at the Olympics, Yabusele took to social media to express his interest in the NBA. Even then, you had to earn a chance. Yabusele revealed that a few teams were seeking his services, but the Sixers were the real, concrete deal he was looking for. And so Yabusele found himself back in the United States.

“A lot has changed because I’ve been through a lot of teams and different changes in my life,” Yabusele said. “It was great. I think I’ve just evolved, become more mature and understand things. I have a lot of experience now and of course I shoot better and play better overall.”

Although it took a minute for Yabusele to return to the league, he is grateful for his time with the Celtics. He played 74 games in Boston from 2017 to 2019 after being drafted 16th overall in 2016. It didn’t end up working out for him with the C’s, but he’s had a successful professional career so far. He just hopes that things continue in the NBA now.

If Yabusele can contribute to the Sixers, the Celtics will see a lot from him next season. The 76ers have tinkered with where they use Yabusele, including for some minutes as a small-ball center. The 6-foot-2 forward has the physicality to play such a role, and that’s an area Philadelphia has been targeting for years. Regardless, Yabusele is back in the league and looking to make the most of his shot.

“I learned being in a special group with a special team, just being around these guys, watching them now, how much they’ve grown, seeing them win the championship,” Yabusele said of the C’s. “But when I was here it was a good experience being with the great players. I was able to learn to stay prepared, work on my body and develop all the work ethic that got me to where I am today. I was really grateful for that.”