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Guerschon Yabusele, forward for the New York Knicks, shared insights about his departure from the Philadelphia 76ers following a successful return to the NBA.
“Moving on from Philadelphia wasn’t a pivotal factor,” Yabusele explained during an interview with SKWEEK. “I thought to myself, ‘Wow, I really could go back.’ I didn’t have any problems there that made me want to leave. I was open to re-signing if they presented a solid offer, but ultimately, if they preferred I move on, then I would. I didn’t have any negative feelings. However, the offer they made was quite low, to be completely honest.”
Yabusele believed the Sixers underestimated his value, as evidenced by their offer, which did not align with his contributions—he averaged 11.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in just 7.1 minutes during the 2024-25 season.
“It felt like, ‘Wow, it seems you guys aren’t really invested in having me back,’” he remarked. “It was just a circumstance, but I hold no grudges. I owe them a lot; they provided me a second chance. Everything I’ve accomplished stems from my time there, and I’ll always appreciate being part of their organization and playing that season.”
On the other hand, the New York Knicks made Yabusele an offer that he found appealing, allowing him to continue his career in the Big Apple.
“Joining the Knicks was an excellent choice,” Yabusele noted. “I feel like their team embodies my style of play—determined and hardworking. They carry that underdog spirit and show up to compete every night. I observed several teams last season, and I was impressed by how well they worked together. They’re a solid group of individuals with no troublemakers, and I see a great opportunity to play there, especially in New York, with its rich history and tradition.”
“I can definitely contribute to their system,” Yabusele added.
After spending three seasons with Real Madrid, during which he won the EuroLeague championship in 2023, Yabusele marked his return to the NBA last season.
