Very few players can claim the extraordinary honor of dunking on LeBron James, a titan in the world of basketball known for his exceptional IQ and natural athleticism. Among this select group is Jayson Tatum, who famously threw down a slam on James during Game 7 of the 2018 Eastern Conference Finals. That moment etched itself into the annals of NBA history and remains one of Tatum’s most celebrated plays. Now, another name has been added to this exclusive list: French forward Guerschon Yabusele.
In a momentous highlight that will forever be replayed in basketball montages, Yabusele delivered a thunderous dunk over LeBron during the gold medal game at this year's Olympics, a feat rarely accomplished against one of basketball's defensive stalwarts. The play happened in the second quarter when Yabusele, showing both agility and strength, maneuvered past Devin Booker on the perimeter. LeBron James rotated to position himself for a charge, but Yabusele elevated and finished emphatically, drawing a foul in the process. This highlight wasn't just a personal triumph for Yabusele but also marked him as one of the breakout stars of the tournament.
France's tactical decisions in the knockout stages of the tournament significantly contributed to Yabusele’s success. By opting to play smaller and limit the minutes of their towering center Rudy Gobert, France created an environment where Yabusele could shine. With a relentless motor and immense strength, Yabusele emerged as a force in the interior, making him a constant threat both offensively and defensively. His shooting ability further diversified his impact, keeping opposing defenses on their toes.
Drafted as the 16th pick by the Boston Celtics in the 2016 NBA Draft, Yabusele had a promising entry into the NBA. However, his initial stint in the league didn't go as hoped, and since 2019, he has been plying his trade internationally, most recently with Real Madrid. Despite the challenges he faced in the NBA, Yabusele’s recent performances have shown significant growth and maturity in his game.
Following his standout performance at the Olympics, Yabusele openly expressed his aspirations to return to the NBA. "You gotta tell (the Celtics) to bring me back,” he said to The Boston Globe's Gary Washburn, signaling his readiness for another shot at the world's premier basketball league.
Yabusele’s dunk over LeBron James and his overall performance during the Olympics have not only bolstered France's position but have also served as a robust indicator of his potential to perform at the highest level of the sport. His emergence as a pivotal player in the tournament, combined with his evident motivation to return to the NBA, could soon open doors for his long-awaited comeback.
As Yabusele continues to solidify his place in basketball history with memorable moments like his dunk on LeBron James, it’s clear that his journey is far from over. The combination of his physical attributes, skill set, and newfound confidence will make him a valuable asset to any team willing to give him another opportunity in the NBA. Whether or not the Boston Celtics heed his call remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Guerschon Yabusele has put the basketball world on notice once again.