Coach’s Corner: Mavs Fit for Olympic Star Guerschon Yabusele?

Guerschon Yabusele's potential return to the NBA could add much needed depth at power forward, positional versatility, and high level experience to interested teams. Should the Dallas Mavericks be interested in the 28-year-old forward? Below, we’ll break down how Yabusele could play a small part in Dallas getting back to the NBA Finals if given the opportunity.

Yabusele, a former first-round pick of the Boston Celtics, has spent the last several years refining his game overseas, most notably with Spain’s Real Madrid, Luka Dončić’s former team, where he became a key player for the EuroLeague powerhouse.

Yabusele’s offensive game has matured significantly since his early NBA days, as evidenced by his standout performance in his last season with Real Madrid. He averaged 10 points and 5 rebounds per game, showcasing his efficiency with a stellar 56.3 percent shooting from the field. Even more impressive was his 48.1 percent from beyond the arc, coupled with an 85.7 percent success rate at the free-throw line.

These statistics highlight his ability to score effectively from all three levels on the court, making him a versatile offensive threat. This versatility would mesh well with the Mavericks' dynamic backcourt duo of Dončić and Kyrie Irving, both of whom excel when surrounded by players who can stretch the floor and create spacing.

Yabusele's 3-point shooting could be a critical asset for Dallas, especially given the team's emphasis on enhancing their outside shooting this offseason. With a remarkable 48.1 percent success rate from beyond the arc last season, Yabusele would immediately rank among the Mavericks' most efficient long-range threats.

This is particularly impressive considering Dallas already boasts elite shooters like Klay Thompson and Dončić. His ability to stretch the floor and consistently knock down shots from deep could provide the Mavericks with the spacing needed to maximize their offensive potential, making him an ideal fit in their system.

While Yabusele’s scoring versatility is certainly impressive, his playmaking ability is an often overlooked aspect of his game. During the 2024 Paris Olympics, France frequently entrusted Yabusele to initiate their offense as the primary ball handler, and with good reason. Despite his imposing frame, Yabusele possesses surprisingly refined ball-handling and passing skills, drawing comparisons to Draymond Green for his ability to facilitate from the forward position.

Though his assist numbers may not be eye-popping, a closer look at his game reveals a player with sharp instincts and polished fundamentals, making him a versatile playmaker who can make others better, and keep defenses on their heels.

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Defensively, Yabusele brings a combination of strength and mobility that makes him capable of guarding multiple positions. Standing at 6-8 and weighing 260 pounds, he has the physical presence to battle in the post while also possessing the quickness to stay in front of perimeter players.

During his time with the French national team, particularly in the 2024 Paris Olympics, Yabusele showcased his defensive capabilities by taking on challenging assignments and providing crucial stops. His defensive contributions were paramount to France’s Silver Medal finish.

Although Yabusele’s initial stint in the NBA with the Celtics was underwhelming—averaging only 2.3 points and 1.4 rebounds in limited minutes—his time in Europe has clearly refined his game. At 28 years old, Yabusele is in the prime of his career and seems ready to contribute immediately at the NBA level.

For the Mavericks, who have experienced issues with frontcourt depth, especially with injuries to key players in recent seasons, Yabusele could be a valuable addition. His ability to play both power forward and small-ball center aligns well with the modern NBA’s trend towards skilled, versatile forwards. Moreover, his international experience and success could bring a level of maturity and leadership to a relatively young Dallas squad.

After reviewing film and studying Yabusele closely, we’ve come to the conclusion that he could be an excellent fit for the Mavericks, offering them a combination of shooting, defensive versatility, and international experience. His addition could improve the team’s frontcourt depth and provide them with the kind of two-way player that is crucial in deep playoff runs.

If the Mavericks can manage to take care of his $2.5 million buyout and integrate him into their system, Yabusele could be the latest NBA redemption story while playing a part in Dallas potentially returning to the NBA Finals.