The Spurs are anticipated to be within the combine to signal free agent ahead Guerschon Yabusele, in line with each Hoopshype’s Mike Scotto and The Stein Line’s Jake Fischer($).
Yabusele, who was initially drafted by the Celtics in 2017 and after two quiet NBA years performed overseas, joined the 76ers final season after a powerful efficiency within the Olympics alongside Victor Wembanyama on Group France. The 6’8” ahead exceeded expectations in his time in Philadelphia, being one of many franchise’s solely shiny spots final season. He averaged 11 factors, 5.6 rebounds, and a couple of.1 assists whereas taking pictures 38 p.c from past the arc in 27 minutes a sport. He was additionally efficient on protection, performed with power each sport, and even held down the fort as beginning middle for his injury-riddled squad. Yabusele vastly outplayed his minimal deal and is deserving of a major elevate.
The Spurs appear to be a pure touchdown spot for the burly ahead if he doesn’t keep in Philadelphia. The Wembanyama connection alone is sufficient to assume he’d be curious about touchdown in San Antonio, however the match can also be there. The Silver and Black could have the non-taxpayer mid-level exception at their disposal, to allow them to pay him as much as $14 million. Yabusele’s mixture of dimension and taking pictures potential can be a welcome addition to a roster that has marksmen who lack physicality and athletes who can’t shoot. He’s not somebody who ought to spend all of his time at middle, as he doesn’t supply rim safety, however he can slide up a spot and battle on the boards. His addition alone wouldn’t clear up the crew’s large man depth points, however it could make the roster extra well-rounded.
Yabusele, 29, is the kind of participant that each crew would like to have, so there might be competitors for his providers. The 76ers are reportedly making an attempt to retain him, nevertheless it is perhaps laborious for them to take action with out shedding wage, as in addition they have Quentin Grimes to consider. Even when the veteran ahead is on the transfer, he’ll get gives from contenders and up-and-coming groups alike. The Bucks are one of many groups , in line with Fischer. The Wembanyama connection might assist seal the deal for San Antonio, however how a lot the Spurs are prepared to spend and what position they’ll supply him on a considerably crowded ahead rotation will doubtless be larger components. On paper, he might begin or come off the bench, and his sport matches nicely with basically each different participant on the roster.
The Spurs may wish to prioritize getting a extra conventional large man to again up Wembanyama, however including Yabusele is unquestionably intriguing.
Free company begins on Monday, June 30, at 5 p.m. CST.
