The Philadelphia 76ers have delighted in stressing out their fanbase so much this season that it has become too poignant to talk about at this point. For a much-needed change of air and devioate from the somber status quo, let us shift the attention to one of the silver linings for the team so far in their campaign.
With the 76ers yet to impress in any way, public sentiment is not too optimistic about their chances to reach their goals or even get close to it. Still, they are not exactly hopeless. Take a look at Jared McCain, who has quickly become the frontrunner for Rookie of the Year.
Another example is Guerschon Yabusele who, in his return to the NBA, has been absolutely impressive for the 76ers. Despite not getting as much court time as he deserves thanks to some questionable decision-making from Nick Nurse and the coaching staff, he has stood out in the roster as perhaps the most consistent cog at this juncture.
Guerschon Yabusele continues to impress for the 76ers, but there’s a catch
Few would have expected Yabusele to flourish, really, on both ends as early as now. While his Europe stint and breakout performance in the Olympics cannot be glossed over, there were initial doubts about his game carrying over to the NBA, especially given how much of a misfit he looked in his first couple of seasons in Boston.
The Frenchman blew those doubts away with his constant impact. However, this actually has a not-so-invigorating catch: the 76ers may not be able to retain his services beyond this season.
Yabusele merely signed with the 76ers to the tune of a one-year, veteran’s minimum deal, making him a free agent next year. But with the way he is playing, it is starting to look like this partnership could very well be a fleeting one.
Put simply, the 76ers will start to reel from the effects of their expensive roster soon, and their limitedness when it comes to offering Yabusele a new deal hypothetically speaking obviously runs against them. His skill set is also one that should flourish within various team dynamics.
Should Guerschon Yabusele keep this up — and he looks like he will — the Philadelphia 76ers are unlikely to be able to hold onto him beyond this season. Teams are not that ignorant, and the journeyman has instantly proven that he belongs in the NBA.