The New York Knicks are rolling. At 18-7, they’ve planted themselves firmly near the top of the Eastern Conference, looking every bit like a team with real postseason aspirations.
The defense is locked in, the stars are producing, and the chemistry is undeniable. But even on a winning team, not every story is a smooth one - and for Guerschon Yabusele, this season has been a tough adjustment.
After a breakout year in Philadelphia, Yabusele came to New York with momentum and expectations. The Knicks handed him a two-year, $11.7 million deal in the offseason, banking on the versatile forward to bring floor spacing, energy, and depth to a frontcourt that needed it. Last year, he averaged 11.0 points and 5.6 rebounds per game while shooting a strong 38% from beyond the arc - a solid two-way contributor who looked like he was hitting his stride.
But fast forward to mid-December, and things haven’t gone according to plan.
Yabusele Opens Up About His Struggles
In a recent interview with French outlets AFP and Basket USA, Yabusele didn’t sugarcoat his feelings about his reduced role in New York.
“To be honest, it’s frustrating. I’m a competitor,” he said.
“Very difficult situation. But that’s life.
Can’t complain. We’re winning.
Would be selfish to only think of myself. Good group.
I don’t have many answers. I try to stay in shape, be ready.”
That quote says a lot. It’s raw, honest, and reflective of a player caught between personal ambition and team success.
Yabusele wants to contribute. He wants to play.
But he also understands the bigger picture - the Knicks are winning, and rocking the boat doesn’t help anyone.
A Steep Drop in Minutes and Production
The numbers tell the story. After averaging over 27 minutes per game with the Sixers last season, Yabusele is seeing just 9.8 minutes per night in New York. His production has dipped accordingly - 3.0 points and 2.2 rebounds per game on 29.5% shooting from deep across 24 appearances.
That’s a far cry from the impact he had in Philly, and it’s not just about the stats - it’s about rhythm, confidence, and opportunity. Yabusele hasn’t been able to find any of those in a Knicks rotation that’s already crowded and clicking.
Why the Fit Hasn’t Worked - Yet
There are a few key factors at play here. For one, OG Anunoby’s return from a hamstring injury tightened the wing and forward minutes even further. Head coach Mike Brown has leaned heavily on his core group - Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, Josh Hart, and Anunoby - and with the Knicks winning, there hasn’t been much incentive to shake things up.
Brown has acknowledged that the sporadic nature of Yabusele’s minutes hasn’t helped his case. It’s tough to make an impact in short bursts, especially when you’re trying to carve out a role on a deep, playoff-caliber roster.
This isn’t about effort or professionalism - by all accounts, Yabusele has handled the situation the right way. But the reality is, opportunity in the NBA is often about timing, and right now, the timing just hasn’t been in his favor.
Staying Ready - Because Things Can Change Fast
To his credit, Yabusele isn’t sulking. He’s staying ready, staying in shape, and keeping his focus on what he can control.
“I try to be ready whenever my name is called,” he said. “I try to control my impact on the court, no matter how much time I get.”
That mindset matters. The Knicks are in the thick of a competitive Eastern Conference race, and depth will matter as the season grinds on.
Injuries happen. Slumps happen.
And when they do, guys like Yabusele - who stay locked in despite limited minutes - often get their shot.
And with December 15th now in the rearview - the date when most players signed in free agency become trade eligible - the landscape could shift quickly. Whether that means a change in role, a move to another team, or simply a fresh opportunity within the Knicks’ system, Yabusele’s situation is one to monitor.
The Bottom Line
Guerschon Yabusele isn’t getting the minutes he hoped for, and the adjustment has been tough. But he’s part of a winning team, and he’s handling the challenge like a pro.
The Knicks are deep, talented, and chasing something bigger than individual stats. And if Yabusele’s number is called - whether due to injury, rotation changes, or trade - don’t be surprised if he’s ready to make the most of it.
Because that’s what competitors do.