Back in 2016, the Boston Celtics had a major rookie class that consisted of a few important names. Most notably, with the third overall pick that yet, Boston drafted Jaylen Brown. Brown is still a part of the Celtics and was crucial to their championship victory in 2024, earning Eastern Conference Finals and NBA Finals MVP honors.
In addition to Brown, the Celtics also drafted another notable player that year in Guerschon Yabusele, who they took 16th overall. The French native spent two seasons in Boston before the team waived him in 2019.
Nearly six years later, Yabusele sent a message regarding his time in Boston.
Philadelphia 76ers forward Guerschon Yabusele (28).
Philadelphia 76ers forward Guerschon Yabusele (28).
© Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
After getting waived by the Celtics in 2019, Yabusele played overseas and did not return to the NBA until last year. Following an impressive run in the Olympics, Yabusele joined the Philadelphia 76ers and appeared in nearly every game for the team.
Recently, the 29-year-old spoke about how different his mentality is now compared to his Celtics days, and he admitted to it being "completely different" (h/t Cyro Asseo de Choch of HoopsHype).
"It was a completely different mentality than when I was in Boston, because when I was in Boston, I was drafted first round, 16th pick, so my standards and what I was hoping was completely different from right now," Yabusele said. "I didn’t have that much experience, too. I was really just young, and I wanted just to play."
Despite being a first-round draft pick for Boston, Yabusele did not play much. During his two seasons with the team, he averaged just 6.6 minutes across 74 games.
Yabusele is set to hit unrestricted free agency this summer. It remains to be seen whether he will remain in Philadelphia or go elsewhere. Regardless, he has done a fantastic job of reviving his NBA career after his release from the Celtics, and his status will be a fun one to follow throughout the offseason.