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PARIS, FRANCE – AUGUST 10: Guerschon Yabusele #7 of Team France drives past LeBron James #6 of Team United States during the Men’s Gold Medal game between Team France and Team United States on day fifteen of the Olympic Games Paris 2024.
Through the first month of the offseason, the New York Knicks have made two key additions in the form of Guerschon Yabusele and Jordan Clarkson. For the former, New York just got a major update that should make them feel confident about signing the big man from France.
Recently, it was announced that the French national basketball team has named Yabusele as their next captain. That’s right, not Victor Wembanyama, but the newest Knicks player will lead Les Bleus going forward. France finished with the silver medal in the 2024 Paris Olympics after losing to the United States in the gold medal game.
New York signed Yabusele to a two-year $11 million contract after he played last season with the Philadelphia 76ers, averaging 11 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.1 assists on 50% shooting. Landing the captain of one of the best national teams in the world for roughly $5.5 million per year is a great deal for the Knicks.
Yabusele Leading Team France
After making a post on X announcing the news, Yabusele reflected on how he feels leading the squad going forward.
“I can’t say I expected it, but it’s nice to be captain, even if it doesn’t change my status in the team,” Yabusele said. “You’ll have to be an example, be good and fair on and off the [court], guide everyone on the right path, and, even if things aren’t going well for me personally, always maintain a positive attitude for the team …I’m aware that it’s a big responsibility, especially with a new group embarking on a new adventure.”
In the latest Olympics, Yabusele averaged 14 points, 3.3 rebounds, and one assist per game en route to France’s silver medal. He was also on the team in the 2020 Olympics, where they also won silver, finishing again right behind Team USA. They also finished second in the previous EuroBasket tournament, losing to Spain in the championship game.
Yabusele joins Nicolas Batum and Boris Diaw as the newest NBA player to be featured as the captain of the French national team.
“I’m aware that it’s a big responsibility, especially with a new group embarking on a new adventure,” Yabusele said. “With all the adjustments we’re going to make, we still have a lot of room for improvement. I think we can do something special.”
Yabusele On The Knicks
Just a week before the announcement of his captaincy was made, Yabusele appeared on Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart‘s podcast, Roommates Show. During his appearance with his new NBA teammates, the French big man talked about his experience at the 2024 Olympics.
“(It) was one of my best experiences, just because (it was) emotional,” Yabusele said. “Let’s try to create something and make history. We made sure everybody understands that playing in the Olympics, playing for your country, this happens once in a lifetime.”
The 29-year-old also discussed his thoughts on joining the Knicks and his excitement to play alongside players like Brunson, Hart, Karl-Anthony Towns, Mikal Bridges, and OG Anunoby.
“It was amazing, first of all,” Yabusele added. “Team-wise, it was amazing. The run (you) guys have been having for the last couple of years now has been amazing. The character, what they bring to the court…They have good chemistry, it seems like no problem.”
Just on the surface, New York adding the captain of a top national team for just a bit over the veteran minimum is a great deal. Yabusele previously played on the Boston Celtics from 2017-2019, but after a stint returning to Europe and then going to the Sixers, he is back in the best form of his career.
Eli Gregorski is a sports journalist covering the NBA for Heavy Sports. He has years of sports writing experience covering the NBA, NFL, college football and basketball, international soccer, and Formula One. He graduated from the University of Colorado Boulder, where he was the assistant sports editor for the award-winning CU Independent student publication. More about Eli Gregorski
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