Part of the same 2016 draft class, now separated. From playing together to now being part of a fierce franchise rivalry. Jaylen Brown since then has become the longest-tenured player on the current Boston Celtics roster. Guerschon Yabusele, on the other hand, couldn’t find his place within the Cs, as earning playing time was a struggle. Yabusele shot 32.2% from three, averaging less than one attempt per game. As fate would have it, they met again on the different sides of the court on Saturday night at TD Garden.

Yabusele had moved to Europe to find regular game time. But after having an amazing Olympic campaign in Paris, he’s back in the NBA, with the Celtics sworn enemies, the Philadelphia 76ers. However, despite that, Brown was happy to see him back in the league. 

“It was great. We got a chance to talk before the game. Yabu’s one of my good friends. We kind of came into the organization together, so to see him back in the NBA –he’s been playing well overseas, I thought he had a great Olympic run, and it kind of led to him being here. Even though he’s on the Sixers, it’s all good still. It’s still bittersweet,” Jaylen Brown said during a presser.

The French power forward had an impressive run at the Olympics. He averaged 19.6 points per game in the knockouts, outscoring reigning NBA ROTY, Victor Wembanyama, and his fellow countrymen in 2 of their 3 games, opening doors for him in the best hoops league in the world again. While he may not be the signing that gets the Sixers a championship, he is a solid backup player for sure.

Philly boss Nick Nurse, however, is still not sure how to use him. “We’re trying to figure out exactly where we’re going to need him the most, and some of that is going to depend positionally what we’re talking about. … He’s been good. He’s been a nice surprise so far, but we’ve got to (learn) some more info,” he explained.

Guerschon Yabusele’s versatility gives him the potential to contribute in multiple positions for his team. Primarily, he seems poised to compete for minutes at power forward, where his size and improved shooting could complement a lineup featuring other wings.

The Frenchman’s ability to stretch the floor with consistent 3-point shooting would be valuable, especially when playing alongside a dominant center like Joel Embiid, who commands double-teams in the paint. So, while he’s a good addition to the Sixers, what’s made everyone so excited for his return?

Guerschon Yabusele posterized LeBron James in the Olympics Final

Yabusele dropped 22 points against Canada in an Olympic quarter-final, followed it up with 17 points on 7-of-11 shooting to fuel a semi-final win over Germany, and scored 20 points against Team USA in the Olympics finals. In August, many of the younger fans were unaware of him. But by the end of the Olympic Final, everyone knew who he was.

He was outplaying Nicolas Batum and Rudy Gobert and was quickly assessed as a threat by Team USA. But his ‘moment of fame’ came when he dunked over LeBron James during the second quarter and sent him to the floor. Social media erupted after witnessing this. The hooper even said that he’d hang a poster in his home, showcasing the thunderous dunk.

Guerschon Yabusele was even asked about the dunk on LeBron James before the tipoff between the Celtics and the 76ers, to which he replied, “I got surprised that you didn’t ask me that, I do get it a lot you know, everywhere I go,” it seems like no one can get over it.

“Even people went to see me in the street, the kids, in the arena, everybody talk to me about it. So it was a great moment in my career. And of course, I’m enjoying it.” the hooper added. What did you think about that unexpected moment?

Before leaving, watch the Dual Threat Show hosted by BG12 where Bulldogs’ Asia Avinger details her experience with Kobe Bryant and more.