BOSTON — Guerschon Yabusele admitted “it’s a special feeling” being back at his first NBA home. The former Celtics first-round pick wasn’t sure if he’d ever be back as an NBA player, but here he was, suiting up for his new team with the 76ers.

While Yabusele successfully earned a deal with the Sixers, it was never guaranteed he’d be back in the league. After getting waived by the Celtics in July 2019, Yabusele returned overseas where he’s played ever since. There were dreams of getting back, but the opportunities never came. So, yes, Yabusele admitted there were some doubts.

“It’s been five years and of course when the summer was coming I was expecting to get a call,” Yabusele said. “But it just made me work harder, keep pushing, never giving up. And every time I was going back on my team I was like, ‘I’ve gotta do more.’ So it was just a long process, but I think it was much needed. I’m a different player now and I understand things more and I just keep on pushing.”

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Turns out, Yabusele’s story wasn’t meant to stay overseas. After successful years playing for EuroLeague powerhouse Real Madrid — developing into a solid 3-and-D player — Yabusele had a career-changing summer. At the Paris Olympics in his home country, Yabusele dazzled for his native France, including the dunk on LeBron James.

Yabusele wasn’t about to miss out on his moment in the spotlight. Shortly after earning the silver medal at the Olympics, Yabusele took to social media to express his interest back in the NBA. Even then, a chance needed to be earned. Yabusele revealed a few teams called for his services, but the Sixers were the real, concrete deal he was looking for. And that’s how Yabusele found himself back stateside.

“A lot of things have changed because I’ve been through a lot of teams and different changes in my life,” Yabusele said. “It’s been great. I think I’ve just evolved and I’m more mature, understanding stuff. I have a lot of experience now and of course I shoot better and I play better overall.”

While it took a minute for Yabusele to get back in the league, he’s appreciative of his time with the Celtics. He suited up in 74 games in Boston from 2017-19 after getting drafted 16th overall in 2016. It didn’t end up working out for him with the C’s, but he’s had a successful pro career thus far. He just hopes it continues in the NBA now.

If Yabusele is able to contribute for the Sixers, the Celtics will see a lot of him in the coming season. The 76ers have tinkered with where they play Yabusele, including some minutes as a small-ball center. The 6-foot-8 forward is physical enough to play such a role, and that’s an area Philadelphia has looked to get production for years. Regardless, Yabusele’s back in the league and as he looks to make the most of his shot.

“I learned to be in a special group with a special team, just being around those guys, watching them right now, how much they’ve grown, watching them winning the championship,” Yabusele said of the C’s. “But when I was here, just being around the great players was a good experience, being able to learn that to stay ready, work on my body and get all of this work ethic that got me where I am today. I was really grateful for that.”