Giannis Antetokoumpo, Guerschon Yabusele, Knicks
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Greece's Giannis Antetokoumpo fights for the ball with France's Yabusele Guerschon during a friendly basketball game ahead of the Eurobasket 2025, in Athens on August 24, 2025.
New York Knicks free agent acquisition Guerschon Yabusele showcased his versatility and defensive grit Sunday, standing his ground against Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo as France defeated Greece 92-77 in a EuroBasket warm-up game.
The 6-foot-8 forward, nicknamed the “Dancing Bear,” went a perfect 3-for-3 from beyond the arc while adding three assists and two steals, helping France limit Antetokounmpo to just 4-of-7 shooting from the field. The Greek star still scored 20 points, hitting 12 of 14 free throws, but Yabusele’s intensity and court awareness provided a key edge for the French squad.
Yabusele signed a two-year, $12 million deal this offseason with the Knicks, including a player option for the second year, after revitalizing his NBA career with the Philadelphia 76ers. His return to the league followed a five-year hiatus in Europe, where he refined his skills, improved his three-point shooting, and expanded his versatility.
“Definitely, I feel more comfortable when I’m with the ball,” Yabusele told BasketNews. “Even when reading the situation, it feels like everything just clicks and comes easier.”
A Dynamic Bench Presence for Knicks
Following his breakout performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Yabusele posted career highs last season in Philadelphia, averaging 11 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.1 assists while connecting on 38% of his three-point attempts.
“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 told BasketNews.
Yabusele is expected to play a major role on a Knicks bench that struggled last season under former coach Tom Thibodeau, ranking near the bottom of the league in scoring and minutes. His combination of perimeter shooting and defensive versatility should help stabilize rotations and provide an energy boost in late-game situations.
“When I’m open, shoot, make the shot, get a couple of dunks,” Yabusele said. “Just get a good feeling, try to be everywhere and help the team win something.”
He can guard multiple positions, using his length and agility to complement star center Mitchell Robinson and All-Star Karl-Anthony Towns, providing defensive coverage and versatility for the Knicks’ revamped roster.
EuroBasket-Olympic Gold Medal or NBA Ring?
Guerschon Yabusele, Knicks
GettyFrance’s power forward Guerschon Yabusele dunks the ball. He will bring his energy to the New York Knicks bench next season.
Off the court, Yabusele expressed excitement about joining one of the NBA’s most iconic franchises.
“First of all, you can tell that they have a special bonding between each other,” he told BasketNews. “When they go on the court together, it’s like they try to kill the other team. They made it so far in the playoffs, but year after year, you can see their progress. For me, it was just natural to want to be part of this. It’s one of the toughest crowds; people know it.”
His energy and willingness to dive for loose balls are expected to make him a fan favorite. “People love the energy that I bring on the court — dying for the ball, diving for the ball,” Yabusele said. “Just fight through it for 48 minutes. It doesn’t matter who wins or loses, just keep the same motivation and make people enjoy the game.”
When asked whether he values winning a gold medal with France or an NBA championship more, Yabusele reflected on both goals.
“A gold medal with France would be special. I’ve been playing with the team for years, and every time we get silver. So I think gold would be the next goal for us,” he said. “But, of course, winning an NBA championship is also something special. I’ve never been part of something like that. Both would feel great.”