Yabusele was considered one of the best international prospects for the 2016 NBA draft.[2][3][4][5] Yabusele was drafted with the 16th overall pick by the Boston Celtics and played for them from 2017 to 2019, splitting time with Boston's NBA G League affiliate, the Maine Red Claws. While in Boston, Yabusele became a fan favorite despite playing few minutes and was nicknamed "The Dancing Bear."[6] Yabusele has also played in the Chinese Basketball Association and the lower-level French LNB Pro B. He signed with Real Madrid in 2021, and won a EuroLeague title in 2023.
Yabusele joined the Chorale Roanne team in the LNB Pro B in 2013 and finished the season averaging 1.5 points per game in 8 appearances. The next season, he averaged six points, four rebounds, and 1.7 assists.[9]
Rouen Métropole (2015–2016)
Yabusele signed with Rouen Métropole Basket of the LNB Pro A, the top league in France, in the summer of 2015. He made the decision to help his NBA draft stock.[10] Yabusele wound up being one of 13 international underclassmen, and one of four Frenchmen, to officially enter their names for the 2016 NBA draft. He was projected to be either a late first round or early second round selection but surprised many by going 16th overall in the draft to Boston.[11][12] Yabusele joined the Boston Celtics for the 2016 NBA Summer League.[13]
Shanghai Sharks (2016–2017)
On 21 July 2016, Yabusele signed a deal with the Shanghai Sharks of the Chinese Basketball Association.[14] In 43 games for the Sharks, he averaged 20.9 points and 9.4 rebounds.[15] Yabusele was named a CBA All-Star for his production with the Sharks.
Boston Celtics / Maine Red Claws (2017–2019)
On 29 March 2017, Yabusele signed with the Maine Red Claws of the NBA Development League[15] and on 20 July, he signed with the Boston Celtics of the National Basketball Association.[16] He made his debut on 20 October, finishing with the statline of 3 points and 1 rebound in just 3 minutes of action in a 102–92 win against the Philadelphia 76ers.[17] During his rookie season, he received multiple assignments to the Maine Red Claws.[18] Yabusele's career highs all occurred during the 2017–18 season. His high in rebounds (6) came in a 111–104 win against the Chicago Bulls, his career high in assists (5) came in a 125–124 loss to the Washington Wizards, and his career high in points (16) came in a 110–97 win against the Brooklyn Nets.[19] On 10 July 2019, Yabusele was waived by the Celtics.
Nanjing Monkey Kings (2019–2020)
On 17 August 2019, Yabusele signed with the Nanjing Monkey Kings, returning to the CBA for the 2019–20 season.[20]
ASVEL (2020–2021)
On 25 February 2020, Yabusele signed with ASVEL of the French LNB Pro A.[21] Yabusele re-signed with the team on 1 June.[22]
Real Madrid (2021–2024)
On 12 July 2021, Yabusele signed a one-year contract with Spanish powerhouse Real Madrid of the Liga ACB and the EuroLeague.[23] On 9 January 2022, he signed a three-year contract extension with Real Madrid, keeping him until the end of the 2024–25 season.[24] On 29 August 2024, he left Real Madrid.[25]
Philadelphia 76ers (2024–present)
On 29 August 2024, Yabusele signed with the Philadelphia 76ers.[26] On 10 November, Yabusele scored a career–high 20 points with 8 rebounds in a 107–105 victory over the Charlotte Hornets.[27]
He played a key role in France's campaign at 2024 Olympics. Despite having a minor role in the preliminary round, he led the team to a quarter-final victory over Canada with 22 points and 5 rebounds.[29] He then scored 17 points on 7-for-11 shooting, as well as 7 rebounds, to lead France to a semi-final win over Germany, to qualify for their second straight Olympic final.[30][29] In the final against the United States, Yabusele scored 20 points, including a baseline poster dunk on LeBron James, before eventually losing and finishing with a silver medal.[31] After the tournament, he was named to the tournament's All-Second Team.[32]
