Two-time France silver medalist and Philadelphia 76ers forward Guerschon Yabusele recently sat down with HoopsHype to discuss how his Olympics run helped him return to the NBA after a six-year hiatus, what’s different about him from his Celtics stint, what went through his mind overseas while chasing a return to the United States, his upcoming free agency, and more.

How much did the 2024 Olympics help you return to the NBA? 

Guerschon Yabusele: It was definitely important because I came back right after that. It was also like a build-up over the years of progressing and understanding the game a little bit more. I tried to make fewer mistakes and bring more energy while figuring out how to be my best on the court. I think that helped. The Olympics are what really set the major comeback for sure.

What’s the biggest difference between you now and when you last played in the NBA with the Celtics? 

Yabusele: Everything. Even the man I am now is completely different from the one I was in Boston. In the game, I understand the game more, the pace of the game, and how fast it’s played. The game is completely different than when I was in Boston. Being able to be in different situations and learn what it’s like to lose and win, get some championships (one EuroLeague and two Liga ACB championships with Real Madrid in Spain). That experience made me a better player there than I was back in the day.

What was going through your mind overseas while chasing a return to the NBA? 

Yabusele: I always told myself that I wanted to come back, and I had to do everything in my power to come back. I had to work as hard as possible to come back. Every summer, it was almost, so I was telling myself to keep pushing, and it would definitely come. Hard work always pays off. That was my motto every day. Try and get that second chance.

What was it like going from fighting to get back to the NBA to having teams expressing interest in trading for you at the trade deadline and wanting to acquire you? 

Yabusele: It’s flattering, for sure. It’s telling myself that I’m going in the right direction. At the same time, I didn’t want to leave. I feel like I’m in a good role and situation here. I’ve enjoyed being here, and I’m always thankful to the franchise for giving me my second chance to come back to the NBA. It was really important for me to try to stay here and achieve our goals. This was really important for me.

Michael Reaves/Getty Images

Daryl Morey talked about wanting to re-sign you. What were your thoughts on that? 

Yabusele: I heard a little bit of the rumors about the money that I think they have for the summer. For me, it’s definitely something that I like to hear. I feel comfortable. I’m happy that they like me here and are happy with my work. Every day, when I come in, I try to give my best on the court, fight every possession, and leave a good mark.

In general, what will you look for in free agency? 

Yabusele: I’ve never been in that situation, so I have no idea how this will be, but I’m pretty excited to see the summer coming and see what we’ll have on the table. Of course, it’s going to be a long conversation. It’s not something I’m going to think about overnight. I’m going to take my time and see what the options are. Having that option and chance to be back here is definitely something I love to hear.

How’s Philadelphia been for you as a person living here?  

Yabusele: It’s great. It’s been so much fun. I had a chance to go to a couple of games. I went to the Eagles (NFC Championship) and the baseball games (Phillies) when I got here. I had a chance to go to Broad Street after the win and celebrate with the fans. It’s a different vibe. I love it. The fans are passionate about every sport and every team in the city. They show a lot of love and support. Even though the situation here is a little bit different this season, they still show up, show some love, and make sure we keep fighting. It’s been fun so far.

What’s this season been like overall for this team? 

Yabusele: It’s definitely not been easy. We’ve had some tough times, but we’ve also had times where we’ve been on some winning streaks. I feel like we definitely know how to get there. With the guys injured, it’s been hard. I feel like when everybody is healthy, we’re a tough team to play against. We’ll go to the All-Star break, come back, and try to make sure everyone is on track. We’ll try to go fight, get that Play-In spot to fight, get to the playoffs, and, of course, go all the way.