As expected, the shorthanded Philadelphia 76ers were too hobbled to kickstart the 2024-25 regular season in winning fashion at home with the visiting Milwaukee Bucks simply overwhelming them with brute talent en route to a 15-point win. Both Joel Embiid and Paul George sat this one out, and this early juncture could be a tough trek for the squad in the meantime.
Still, the 76ers weren’t completely helpless against one of the best teams in the league. While hobbled, they managed to keep it at a respectable distance for most of the night. A couple of guys stood out early on, though a few certainly didn’t look sharp and contributed to the loss.
Stud: Guerschon Yabusele proved he deserves a consistent role with the 76ers
The power forward position was undeniably one of the biggest areas of weakness for the 76ers heading into the season. The team had to rely on players playing a position up to fill the role and basically lacked enough girth to match up better against teams with physical forwards, just like the Bucks with the Greek Freak.
Well, it seems like the 76ers shouldn’t fret as much as we thought they should. Guerschon Yabusele, perhaps the only natural power forward on the roster, turned in a very solid performance in his first game back in the NBA after a lengthy stint abroad. And boy, did he make it count.
Yabusele was all over the the floor last night, showing 76ers fans his intangibles and impressive motor on both ends, finishing the game with 10 points, four rebounds, three assists, and three steals while also hitting a three-pointer.
Yabusele also played some center with Embiid still out, and the minutes looked respectable. If there’s one thing clear, it’s that the coaching staff has to make it a point to play him regularly. He simply makes too much sense as the team’s resident glue guy to not sniff the court.