When the Philadelphia 76ers made the decision not to actively pursue another contract with Guerschon Yabusele, the majority of fans and pundits called them out for seemingly ducking the money factor. Turns out, the team absolutely made the right call, dodging the eventual bullet that was the Frenchman.
Reports point to the New York Knicks aggressively trying to find a taker for Yabusele’s contract, which should surprise no one at this point. After a very productive comeback campaign with the 76ers last season, he has emerged as one of the worst signings of the offseason. He has been out of their rotation all year long, and him getting jettisoned has become a sheer inevitability.
A part of the front office probably still wanted Yabusele to take a discount and remain in Philly at the time, but the fact that they did not even bother to extend him a then-deserved pay raise was pretty telling of what they felt about his fit with the returning core. Now, this development only vindicates their decision to swim against the tide.
The 76ers get vindicated for wanting out on Guerschon Yabusele
Mike Brown has not reposed much trust or confidence on Yabusele, and it is easy to see why. He has been a huge black hole on offense for the Knicks even in his very limited minutes, and his defense has seemingly disappeared. A lot of fans have also pointed out that the Frenchman started the season while being out of shape, which probably factors into his lack of a real role in New York.
Without even needing to belabor ourselves with the specifics, this is such a nasty fall-off from what was otherwise an impressive comeback year last season with the 76ers. Yabusele emerged as the most consistent player in Philly last season, pouring out whatever he had for the team on a nightly basis to prove that he belongs in the NBA.
It is definitely unfortunate to see such an inspiring feel-good story from last season fade so quickly from relevance. Now, his future in the NBA is once again looking murky, although he has some control over his status for next season as he has a player option to remain in the league for just under $6 million.
At this point, no one knows if a team out there will register real interest on Guerschon Yabusele just like the 76ers did. But if anything, while this may be a bit too abrasive to state on the record, Philly’s front office definitely made the right call for wanting out on him.