Guerschon Yabusele, affectionately known as the “Dancing Bear,” has carved out a unique path in professional basketball. From his early days in France to his international stints in China and Spain, and now his return to the NBA with the Philadelphia 76ers, Yabusele’s journey is marked by resilience and adaptability. His impressive performances in the EuroLeague and Olympics have solidified his reputation as a versatile power forward.
This article explores Yabusele’s personal life, career milestones, financial details, and NBA statistics.
Guerschon Yabusele’s Biography
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Guerschon Yabusele |
| Date of Birth | December 17, 1995 |
| Age | 29 years |
| Education | N/A |
| Nationality | French |
| Height | 6 ft 8 in (2.03 m) |
| Weight | 260 lbs (117.9 kg) |
| Turned Pro | 2013 |
| Net Worth | $10 million (estimated) |
| Salary | $2,087,519 |
| Career Earnings | $10,119,839 |
| Wife/Girlfriend | N/A |
| Instagram Profile | N/A |
| Twitter Profile | N/A |
Early Career
Guerschon Yabusele’s early career is a testament to his determination and adaptability. Born on December 17, 1995, in Dreux, France, Yabusele grew up in a family that valued sports. His parents emigrated from the Democratic Republic of Congo, and his father, a former professional boxer, initially trained him in boxing. However, Yabusele discovered his passion for basketball as he matured and began playing with Chorale Roanne Basket’s youth teams in 2012.
Yabusele’s basketball journey started with Chorale Roanne Basket’s under-21 team, where he showcased his potential and developed his skills. In 2013, he transitioned to the senior team in the LNB Pro B league, marking the beginning of his professional career. His debut season was modest, as he averaged only 1.5 points per game across eight appearances. Despite the slow start, Yabusele remained committed to improving his game.
The following season saw significant progress in Yabusele’s performance. He averaged six points, four rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game—an indication of his growing confidence and skill set. This improvement caught the attention of scouts and coaches, setting the stage for his move to Rouen Métropole Basket in 2015.
Joining Rouen in the LNB Pro A league was a strategic decision to boost his NBA draft prospects. Competing at a higher level allowed Yabusele to refine his versatility as a forward and center while demonstrating his ability to contribute both offensively and defensively.
In 2016, Yabusele made headlines when he declared for the NBA Draft. His combination of physical attributes—standing at 6’8” and weighing 270 pounds—and basketball IQ made him one of the most promising international prospects that year. The Boston Celtics selected him with the 16th overall pick, a milestone that validated his hard work and potential.
Before joining the Celtics full-time, Yabusele opted to play for the Shanghai Sharks in China’s CBA during the 2016–17 season. This decision proved fruitful as he excelled on the court, averaging an impressive 20.9 points and 9.4 rebounds per game across 43 appearances. His standout performances earned him a spot in the CBA All-Star team and further solidified his reputation as a rising star.
Professional Career
Guerschon Yabusele’s professional career has been a journey across multiple countries and leagues, showcasing his adaptability and skill as a power forward. After being selected as the 16th overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft by the Boston Celtics, Yabusele began his NBA journey.
However, before joining the Celtics full-time, he spent the 2016–17 season with the Shanghai Sharks in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA). His performance in China was outstanding, as he averaged 20.9 points and 9.4 rebounds per game across 43 games. He was also named a CBA All-Star during this period, further cementing his reputation as a rising talent.
In March 2017, Yabusele joined the Maine Red Claws, the G League affiliate of the Boston Celtics, and later signed with the Celtics in July of that year. During his two seasons with Boston (2017–2019), Yabusele played in 74 games but had limited opportunities to make a significant impact.
Despite this, he became a fan favorite due to his energetic playing style and earned the nickname “Dancing Bear.” His career highs came during the 2017–18 season, including a 16-point game against the Brooklyn Nets and a six-rebound performance against the Chicago Bulls. However, Yabusele was waived by the Celtics in July 2019.
Following his NBA stint, Yabusele returned to China for the 2019–20 season, signing with the Nanjing Monkey Kings in the CBA. He then moved back to France in February 2020 to play for ASVEL Basket in the French LNB Pro A league. With ASVEL, Yabusele continued to develop his game, re-signing with the team for another season and contributing significantly to their success.
In July 2021, Yabusele took his talents to Spain by signing with Real Madrid, one of Europe’s most prestigious basketball clubs. Over three seasons (2021–2024), he achieved remarkable success, winning two Liga ACB championships (2022 and 2024) and a EuroLeague title in 2023.
His consistent performances earned him a three-year contract extension with Real Madrid in January 2022. During his time with Real Madrid, Yabusele averaged solid numbers in both domestic and EuroLeague competitions, further establishing himself as one of Europe’s top forwards.
Yabusele’s international career also flourished during this period. Representing France at major tournaments such as the Olympics and EuroBasket, he played pivotal roles in securing silver medals at both the 2020 and 2024 Olympics.
His standout performance during the 2024 Paris Olympics included leading France to victories over Canada and Germany before falling short against Team USA in the final. His efforts earned him a spot on the tournament’s All-Second Team.
Guerschon Yabusele’s Net Worth Details
Guerschon Yabusele’s net worth is estimated to be $10 million as of 2025.
Contract
Guerschon Yabusele signed a one-year, minimum-salary contract with the Philadelphia 76ers for the 2024–25 NBA season. The deal is worth $2,087,519, fully guaranteed, and represents his return to the NBA after thriving in international leagues. The contract was finalized following Yabusele’s standout performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where he helped France secure a silver medal and captured attention with his consistent play.
Prior to joining the Sixers, the team facilitated his buyout from Real Madrid for $850,000, enabling him to make the transition back to the NBA. This contract not only marks Yabusele’s first NBA appearance since 2019 but also positions him as an unrestricted free agent at the end of the 2024–25 season, giving him flexibility to explore future opportunities.
Salary
Guerschon Yabusele’s salary for the 2024–25 NBA season is $2,087,519, which is fully guaranteed under his one-year contract with the Philadelphia 76ers. This deal represents the league’s minimum salary for a veteran player and accounts for 1.48% of the NBA salary cap. Yabusele is ranked as the 10th highest-paid player on the 76ers roster this season and will become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season, giving him the flexibility to negotiate future deals.
Career Earnings
| Season | Team | League | Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017–18 | Boston Celtics | NBA | $2,247,480 |
| 2018–19 | Boston Celtics | NBA | $2,667,600 |
| 2019–20 | Boston Celtics | NBA | $1,039,080 |
| 2020–21 | ASVEL Basket | LNB Pro A | ~$500,000 (est.) |
| 2021–22 | Real Madrid | EuroLeague | ~$1,200,000 (est.) |
| 2022–23 | Real Madrid | EuroLeague | ~$1,500,000 (est.) |
| 2023–24 | Real Madrid | EuroLeague | ~$1,700,000 (est.) |
| 2024–25 | Philadelphia 76ers | NBA | $2,087,519 |
NBA Career Stats
| Season | Team | GP | GS | MPG | PPG | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017–18 | Boston Celtics | 33 | 4 | 7.1 | 2.4 | 1.6 | 0.5 | 0.1 | 0.2 |
| 2018–19 | Boston Celtics | 41 | 1 | 6.1 | 2.3 | 1.3 | 0.4 | 0.2 | 0.2 |
| 2024–25 | Philadelphia 76ers | 70 | 15 | 22.5 | 11.0 | 5.6 | 2.1 | 0.8 | 0.4 |
| Career Total | – | 144 | 20 | 12.3 | 5.2 | 2.8 | 1.0 | 0.4 | 0.3 |
FAQs
1. Who is Guerschon Yabusele?
Guerschon Yabusele is a French professional basketball player born on December 17, 1995, in Dreux, France. He currently plays as a power forward for the Philadelphia 76ers in the NBA. Yabusele has also represented France in international competitions, winning silver medals at the 2020 and 2024 Olympics.
2. What teams has Guerschon Yabusele played for during his career?
Yabusele has played for several teams across different leagues, including Chorale Roanne Basket and Rouen Métropole Basket in France, Shanghai Sharks and Nanjing Monkey Kings in China, Boston Celtics in the NBA, Real Madrid in Spain, and now the Philadelphia 76ers.
3. What are Guerschon Yabusele’s achievements in basketball?
Yabusele has won numerous titles, including a EuroLeague championship (2023), two Liga ACB championships (2022, 2024), a Spanish Cup (2024), and a French Cup (2021). He was also named a CBA All-Star during his time with the Shanghai Sharks.
4. What are Guerschon Yabusele’s NBA career stats?
During the 2024-25 season with the Philadelphia 76ers, Yabusele averaged 10.7 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2 assists per game. He has also demonstrated efficiency as a floor spacer with strong shooting percentages from beyond the arc.
5. Why did Guerschon Yabusele return to the NBA after playing in Europe?
Yabusele returned to the NBA primarily to secure future benefits such as monthly payments and health benefits available to players who meet eligibility criteria. He signed with the Philadelphia 76ers after an impressive performance at the Paris Olympics in 2024.
6. What is Guerschon Yabusele’s current contract status?
Yabusele signed a one-year contract worth $2,087,519 with the Philadelphia 76ers for the 2024-25 season. He will become an unrestricted free agent after this season and plans to carefully evaluate his options before making any decisions.
7. What position does Guerschon Yabusele play?
Yabusele primarily plays as a power forward but has also been utilized as a center due to his versatility and ability to space the floor effectively.
8. How did Guerschon Yabusele perform at the Olympics?
At the 2024 Paris Olympics, Yabusele averaged 14 points and 3.3 rebounds per game while shooting 51.9% from the field. His performance earned him a spot on the All-Second Team and contributed to France’s silver medal finish.
9. What challenges did Guerschon Yabusele face during his move to the NBA?
Yabusele had to pay part of his buyout clause from Real Madrid to join the NBA, which involved significant financial deductions due to taxes and fees. Despite these challenges, he chose to return for long-term benefits and career opportunities.
10. What is Guerschon Yabusele’s nickname and why?
Yabusele is nicknamed “The Dancing Bear” due to his energetic personality and unique playing style during his time with the Boston Celtics. This nickname reflects his popularity among fans despite limited playing time during that period.
