LA Clippers fans from the United States were no doubt thrilled to see their home country take home the Olympic gold medal in men's basketball on Saturday, even if it meant Nic Batum was relegated to silver medalist in the process. Team USA defeated France in a match that went down to the final minutes, before Stephen Curry put the French national team away for good.
While the action was going on, it was hard for any observers not to notice the spectacular play of French competitor Guerschon Yabusele. His posterizing dunk over LeBron James made sure his name was etched into the minds of fans from all nations.
But that dunk was far from the only highlight Yabusele produced during France's silver medal run at the Olympics. The 6-foot-6 wing was a consistent producer all throughout the world's biggest international competition, averaging 14.0 points per game while competing in Paris.
Guerschon Yabusele showed out at the Olympics
If Guerschon Yabusele's name seems to ring a bell, it is because he is not just an obscure French professional player. He played in the NBA with the Boston Celtics between 2017 and 2019 after being drafted by the organization in the first round of the 2016 draft.
Going back overseas in 2019 to play with other professional clubs, Yabusele now finds himself competing with Real Madrid while also still seeking that second NBA opportunity. He knows that his stellar play at the Olympics garnered the attention of many, and he is being vocal about his desire to return to playing in the US.
"Been waiting for a second chance," he wrote on X. "I'm ready." This statement comes while Yabusele still has one year remaining on his deal with Real Madrid. Technically, he can break that agreement should an NBA team sign him, but it would cost a $2.5 million buyout.
The Clippers may want to think about adding the Olympic standout to their roster and strike while the iron is hot. LA does not currently have a roster spot open, so one player would have to be waived to make signing Yabusele a reality.