Knicks center Mitchell Robinson
Getty
Knicks center Mitchell Robinson
French big man Guerschon Yabusele is preparing to play a pivotal role for the New York Knicks next season, offering fans both excitement and reassurance amid uncertainty surrounding center Mitchell Robinson’s contract.
“The Knicks are truly a great and magnificent club,” Yabusele said after France’s EuroBasket loss to Israel. “I can tell Knicks fans that my DNA is very suitable for them. I bring passion, sometimes also anger, war, and aggression.”
The 6-foot-8 forward, nicknamed the “Dancing Bear,” signed a two-year, $12 million deal with the Knicks this offseason, including a player option for the second year, after revitalizing his NBA career with the Philadelphia 76ers. He vowed to contribute immediately.
“I can promise them that I will help the team achieve as many victories as possible,” Yabusele said. “The [Knicks] are a good team this year, which wants to reach the playoffs. I can definitely help with that task.”
Historic Performances Fuel Momentum
Yabusele has carried his hot streak from international play into EuroBasket, posting a 36-point performance for France in a rebound win over Poland following the tough loss to Israel. He hit 6-of-12 three-pointers and added six rebounds, two blocks, and two assists, showing the versatile skill set he hopes to bring to New York.
Through four EuroBasket games, Yabusele is shooting 40% from three-point range and leads France in efficiency (15.3), points (15.0), rebounds (4.5), and blocks (1.0), while ranking second in steals (1.0 per game), stepping up in the absence of French NBA stars Victor Wembanyama and Rudy Gobert.
“Definitely, I feel more comfortable when I’m with the ball,” he said. “Even when reading the situation, it feels like everything just clicks and comes easier.”
Insurance Amid Robinson Extension Questions
Yabusele’s arrival comes as Robinson enters a contract year without an extension in place. James Edwards III of The Athletic noted the delicate balance surrounding Robinson’s status.
“The oft-injured big man was one of the most dominant players in the postseason, and he’s currently eligible for an extension,” Edwards wrote. “The version of Robinson we most recently watched is an All-Defense candidate. He would be in the conversation for Defensive Player of the Year.
“What team wouldn’t hold onto a player like that? Well, the Knicks know Robinson better than anyone, and he’s been unable to stay on the court due to various injuries. I’ve gotten the sense that New York would be willing to sign Robinson to a team-friendly extension that covers them in the event he continues to get hurt. On the flip side, I’m sure Robinson points to his performances in the postseason and believes he can get one more nice deal from the Knicks or someone else if he’s able to stay healthy in a contract year.”
Yabusele’s presence provides valuable insurance for the Knicks’ front office while boosting the bench that struggled last season. His combination of defensive versatility, length, and perimeter shooting complements Robinson and All-Star Karl-Anthony Towns, offering rotation stability and energy in late-game situations.
“When I’m open, shoot, make the shot, get a couple of dunks,” Yabusele told BasketNews. “Just get a good feeling, try to be everywhere and help the team win something.”
NBA Comeback and Leadership
Guerschon Yabusele, LeBron James, Knicks
Getty Guerschon Yabusele of Team France goes up for a basket past LeBron James of Team United States during the Men’s Gold Medal game between Team France and Team United States of the Olympic Games Paris 2024.
Following his breakout 2024 Olympics and a strong showing in Philadelphia last season — averaging 11 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.1 assists while connecting on 38% of his three-point attempts — Yabusele has proven he can elevate his game on big stages.
“The way I think when I’m on the court, what I can bring to the bench, basketball IQ, passing skills, shooting skills — pretty much everything — I knew that if I were good at all of these things, I was going to be back,” he said.
Yabusele’s blend of skill, intensity, and international experience has him ready to make an immediate impact. With Robinson’s extension still in limbo, Knicks fans can look forward to a versatile forward whose “DNA” aligns with the team’s grit and playoff ambitions.