Guerschon Yabusele Bio
Guerschon Yabusele is a French professional basketball player who currently plays for the Chicago Bulls of the National Basketball Association (NBA). The 6-foot-7 power forward was selected 16th overall by the Boston Celtics in the 2016 NBA Draft and has built a career spanning multiple continents. After stints in China and a successful three-year tenure with Real Madrid, where he won the EuroLeague championship in 2023, Yabusele has established himself as a valuable two-way player. He represents the French national team and has earned Olympic silver medals at both the 2020 Tokyo Games and the 2024 Paris Games, where his memorable baseline dunk over LeBron James captivated basketball audiences worldwide.
Early Life and Background
Guerschon Yabusele was born on December 17, 1995, in Dreux, France, to parents who emigrated from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Growing up in France, Yabusele developed his athletic skills through boxing training during his youth before shifting his focus entirely to basketball. He began playing organized basketball with the youth sections of Chorale Roanne Basket in 2012, competing with their under-21 team and quickly showing promise as a future professional talent.
Yabusele’s early development at Chorale Roanne laid the foundation for his professional career. The club, located in his home country of France, provided the training environment that helped shape his physical style of play and basketball instincts that would later define his professional journey.
Path to Professional Basketball
Yabusele’s progression from youth basketball to professional status came through the French basketball system. He joined Chorale Roanne’s senior team in 2013, beginning his professional career in the LNB Pro B, France’s second-tier league. During his second season with the team, he averaged six points, four rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game, demonstrating his ability to contribute across multiple statistical categories.
In the summer of 2015, Yabusele made a strategic career move by signing with Rouen Métropole Basket of the LNB Pro A, France’s top basketball league. The decision was designed to elevate his profile for the NBA draft. Yabusele was one of 13 international underclassmen and one of four French players to enter their names for the 2016 NBA draft. While projected as a late first-round or early second-round selection, he surprised many by being chosen 16th overall by the Boston Celtics.
Guerschon Yabusele Career
Early Career (2013–2016)
Yabusele began his professional career with Chorale Roanne in the LNB Pro B during the 2013-2014 season, appearing in eight games while averaging 1.5 points per game. His second season showed marked improvement, with averages of six points, four rebounds, and 1.7 assists as he adjusted to the professional level. In 2015, Yabusele moved to Rouen Métropole Basket in the top-tier LNB Pro A, taking on increased responsibilities against higher competition. His performance there elevated his draft stock significantly, leading to his surprise selection in the first round of the 2016 NBA Draft.
Shanghai Sharks and Boston Celtics (2016–2019)
After being drafted by Boston, Yabusele signed with the Shanghai Sharks of the Chinese Basketball Association on July 21, 2016. In 43 games with Shanghai, he averaged 20.9 points and 9.4 rebounds per game, earning CBA All-Star recognition for his dominant production. On March 29, 2017, Yabusele signed with the Maine Red Claws, Boston’s NBA Development League affiliate, before officially joining the Celtics roster on July 20, 2017. He made his NBA debut on October 20, 2017, recording 3 points and 1 rebound in a win against the Philadelphia 76ers. The 2017-18 season represented his most productive NBA year, with career highs of 16 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists. On July 10, 2019, Boston waived Yabusele after two seasons.
Nanjing Monkey Kings and LDLC ASVEL (2019–2021)
Following his release from Boston, Yabusele returned to China and signed with the Nanjing Monkey Kings on August 17, 2019, for the 2019-20 CBA season. On February 25, 2020, he returned to France, signing with LDLC ASVEL of the LNB Pro A. Yabusele re-signed with ASVEL in June 2020 and helped the team capture both the LNB Pro A championship and the French Cup in 2021, marking his first major professional titles.
Real Madrid (2021–2024)
On July 12, 2021, Yabusele signed a one-year contract with Real Madrid of the Spanish Liga ACB and EuroLeague. He quickly became an integral part of the roster, signing a three-year extension in January 2022. His tenure with Los Blancos proved highly successful, culminating in a EuroLeague championship in 2023. During his three seasons in Madrid, Yabusele won two Liga ACB titles, a Spanish Cup, and three Spanish Supercups. His impressive performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where he helped France reach the Olympic final, significantly raised his profile and opened doors for his return to the NBA.
Return to the NBA and Current Status (2024–Present)
Building on his standout Olympic performance, Yabusele returned to the NBA on August 29, 2024, signing with the Philadelphia 76ers. On November 10, he scored a career-high 20 points with 8 rebounds in a victory over the Charlotte Hornets. On July 7, 2025, Yabusele signed a two-year, $11.7 million contract with the New York Knicks. He appeared in 41 games off the bench during the 2025-26 season, averaging 2.7 points and 2.1 rebounds. On February 5, 2026, Yabusele was traded to the Chicago Bulls in exchange for Dalen Terry and two second-round draft picks.
Driving Style and Strengths
Yabusele plays with physicality and energy that defines his style at the power forward position. At 6-foot-7 and 265 pounds, he uses his body effectively to finish through contact near the basket while also possessing improved shooting range from his time in Europe. His rebounding instincts and defensive versatility allow him to guard multiple positions. His international experience has refined his basketball IQ, and his performance at the 2024 Olympics demonstrated his ability to make clutch plays in high-pressure moments, including his signature baseline dunk over LeBron James.
Notable Events and Milestones
Yabusele’s career has featured several signature moments that highlight his impact on the sport. His performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics stands as a defining achievement, particularly his memorable dunk over LeBron James in the Olympic final against the United States. He was named to the All-Tournament Second Team for his efforts. Earlier, he scored a career-high 36 points for France at EuroBasket 2025 against Poland. With Real Madrid, he captured the prestigious EuroLeague championship in 2023. His NBA draft selection as the 16th overall pick in 2016 represented the beginning of his professional journey, which has taken him across France, China, Spain, and back to the NBA.
Guerschon Yabusele Career Wins
Yabusele has accumulated an impressive collection of team championships and individual accolades across his professional career spanning multiple countries and leagues.
Real Madrid Highlights
Real Madrid represented Yabusele’s most successful professional chapter. He helped the club capture the EuroLeague championship in 2023, the pinnacle of European club basketball. During his three seasons in Madrid, he also won two Liga ACB titles, one Spanish Cup, and three consecutive Spanish Supercups from 2021 through 2023. These accomplishments established him as a winner at the highest levels of European basketball.
Other Wins and Performances
Before his success in Spain, Yabusele won the LNB Pro A championship and French Cup in 2021 with LDLC ASVEL. In China, his outstanding season with the Shanghai Sharks, where he averaged 20.9 points and 9.4 rebounds, earned him CBA All-Star recognition. His NBA career includes a NBA Cup championship with the Knicks in 2025.
Guerschon Yabusele Family
Family Background and Heritage
Guerschon Yabusele was born in Dreux, France, to parents who emigrated from the Democratic Republic of Congo. This heritage has been an important part of his identity throughout his basketball career and national team service. His multicultural background reflects the international nature of modern professional basketball.
Personal Life
Yabusele emerged from France’s youth national team system, competing for the under-18 team at the 2013 FIBA Europe Under-18 Championship and the under-20 team at both the 2014 and 2015 FIBA Europe Under-20 Championships. His transition from youth international to senior team star has been a defining aspect of his career. Yabusele’s basketball career has been characterized by his physical playing style, which he developed partly from his early boxing training. He became a fan favorite during his time with the Boston Celtics, earning the nickname the “Dancing Bear” for his energetic style of play.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marked a significant chapter in Yabusele’s career trajectory. Coming off his impressive performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics, where he helped lead France to a silver medal and earned All-Tournament Second Team honors, Yabusele signed with the New York Knicks on July 7, 2025, on a two-year, $11.7 million contract. The deal represented a meaningful commitment from a franchise seeking frontcourt depth and physicality. Yabusele appeared in 41 games off the bench during the 2025-26 season, averaging 2.7 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 0.4 assists in limited minutes. His bench role reflected the Knicks’ established rotation, but his presence provided valuable depth and matchup flexibility. On February 5, 2026, Yabusele was traded to the Chicago Bulls, beginning a new chapter in his NBA journey. The trade in his second season with the Knicks demonstrates the fluid nature of NBA rosters and presents Yabusele with fresh opportunities with his new franchise. His international track record, including his EuroLeague success with Real Madrid and Olympic performances, suggests he can contribute at a higher level when given expanded opportunities.