Guerschon Yabusele’s Knicks Gamble Isn’t Paying Off-At Least Not Yet
When Guerschon Yabusele signed with the New York Knicks this past summer, it looked like a savvy move-for both sides. The Knicks were loading up for a deep playoff run, and Yabusele, fresh off a strong Olympic showing and a solid stint with the 76ers, had seemingly found the perfect landing spot to blend winning basketball with a meaningful role.
But as we approach the midpoint of the season, it’s clear: this situation isn’t unfolding the way Yabusele probably hoped.
From Olympic Spark to NBA Opportunity
Let’s rewind for a second. Yabusele’s journey hasn’t followed the typical NBA blueprint.
Drafted in the first round back in 2016 by the Celtics, he was more curiosity than contributor in his early NBA days. Nicknamed the “Dancing Bear” for his rare blend of size and agility, he showed flashes but never quite carved out a role in Boston.
So he went overseas, where he quietly rebuilt his game.
Years later, after dominating in Europe and shining on the international stage with France during the 2024 Paris Olympics, Yabusele earned his way back into the league with the Philadelphia 76ers. And despite the Sixers’ injury-riddled season, Yabusele emerged as one of the few bright spots-a versatile forward who could hold his own on both ends and stretch the floor.
That set the stage for a pivotal summer. At 30 years old, Yabusele wasn’t just looking for a roster spot-he was looking for a real NBA contract, a shot to stick.
He got it from the Knicks: a deal worth $5.5 million this season, with a player option for $5.8 million next year. A portion of the Taxpayer Mid-Level Exception, and a clear sign that New York saw value in what he brought.
A Contender, Yes-but Not a Contributor
On paper, Yabusele landed on a contender. The Knicks are rolling, sitting at 20-9 heading into Christmas and looking every bit like a team ready to make noise in the East.
Jalen Brunson continues to flirt with MVP-level impact, OG Anunoby is thriving on both ends, and rookie Tyler Kolek is already contributing. Head coach Mike Brown has stabilized the rotation, even reviving Josh Hart’s role in the starting five.
But while the Knicks are winning, Yabusele isn’t exactly riding the wave. He’s averaging just 9.6 minutes per game and has been a DNP-CD (Did Not Play - Coach’s Decision) on several nights.
When he does play, it’s often out of position-used as the lone big in lineups that don’t suit his strengths. He’s not sharing the floor with Karl-Anthony Towns, who could create the kind of space Yabusele thrives in.
Instead, he’s being asked to anchor lineups in a role that doesn’t match his skill set.
And the production? It hasn’t helped his case.
He’s shooting just 39.4% from the field and 30.6% from three, with a usage rate of only 14.1%. In short, he’s not getting touches, and when he does, the results haven’t been strong enough to demand more.
The Knicks’ Rotation Is Tight-and Yabusele’s on the Outside
This isn’t a case of a player being overlooked-more a case of the rotation simply not having room. Josh Hart’s resurgence, the Knicks’ commitment to two-big lineups, and the emergence of younger role players have squeezed Yabusele out of consistent minutes. And with the team winning, there’s little incentive to shake things up.
It’s not that Yabusele can’t play-he showed last year in Philly that he absolutely can. But New York isn’t the right ecosystem right now.
The fit is off. The opportunity isn’t there.
And for a player trying to prove he belongs in the league long-term, that’s a tough pill to swallow.
What Comes Next?
Yabusele isn’t the type to fold. He’s fought his way back to the NBA once already, and he’ll look to do it again-whether that means staying ready in New York or making the most of spot minutes.
A hot shooting stretch or an injury in the rotation could open the door. But as it stands, he’s stuck behind the glass, looking in.
The Knicks got the contender piece right. But for Yabusele, the bet on winning basketball hasn’t translated into the kind of platform he likely hoped for.
There’s still time for the story to shift-seasons are long, rotations change, and players get hot. But for now, it’s clear: the opportunity he earned last year hasn’t carried over.
And unless something changes, Yabusele might be looking at another offseason where he’s chasing a role that better fits his game.