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Guerschon Yabusele’s summer is set to be one of the most thrilling phases of his professional journey.
After successfully reestablishing himself in the NBA with the Philadelphia 76ers, the 29-year-old French player has taken a significant step forward by inking a new deal with the New York Knicks—yet the outcome could have been quite different.
In a conversation with BeBasket, Yabusele disclosed that the Denver Nuggets were also a contender for his services. The prospect of joining three-time MVP Nikola Jokić and the Nuggets was a serious consideration, but the allure of New York was simply too enticing to ignore.
“It all unfolded really quickly! As soon as I received the offer, I had to respond within two hours,” he explained. “On the other hand, Denver was also interested. I needed to make a swift decision not to miss out on what New York has to offer, especially with its incredible lifestyle!”
For Yabusele, who had a previous stint with the Boston Celtics before moving back to Europe to play for ASVEL and Real Madrid, signing with the Knicks and playing at Madison Square Garden means more than just on-court accomplishments.
“Observing the evolution of New York, it’s clear how much the organization has advanced in recent years. They’ve reached the conference finals, and their vision for the future is both clear and exciting to me. This is a well-coordinated team with championship aspirations, which is crucial for me — I want to play for something significant. Moreover, New York is a team with a rich history. Competing at Madison Square Garden is a dream for every NBA athlete — including myself! It’s a unique arena, and I’m thrilled to be a part of it!”
While his club commitments are at the forefront of his current focus, Yabusele is also gearing up for a pivotal summer with the French national team. With new players and a revamped coaching staff, he aspires to help Les Bleus succeed on the global stage.
“I’m training daily to be prepared for the national team because this summer will be critical,” he noted. “I must prioritize my physical well-being to excel. We have a strong team, featured with a new coaching staff and fresh talent. It’s a privilege to be part of the French team’s rejuvenation. We have much to prove this summer, and I genuinely believe we have a solid chance to achieve something remarkable.”
