New Knicks forward Guerschon Yabusele almost signed with recent champ instead

New York Knicks large man Guerschon Yabusele, 1 of nan club's 2 prized free supplier signings on pinch defender Jordan Clarkson, astir agreed to a free supplier woody pinch a caller title-winning NBA squad alternatively of nan Knicks.

Given that it past won a title successful 1973, New York surely doesn't suffice arsenic a "recent" title-winner.

Yabusele told Arthur Puybertier of BeBasket that he was considering a free supplier connection from nan Denver Nuggets complete nan summertime earlier yet inking a two-year, $11.3 cardinal million woody to subordinate nan Knicks.

"It was ace fast! As soon arsenic I received (the connection from New York), I had to springiness an reply wrong 2 hours,” Yabusele said. “On nan different side, we besides had nan 1 successful Denver. You had to beryllium speedy not to miss nan opportunity that New York represents, successful a awesome surviving environment!”

Yabusele, 29, enjoyed a awesome bounceback play successful 2024-25, his first NBA action successful 5 years. The 6-foot-8 powerfulness forward/center had a brace of underwhelming seasons pinch nan Boston Celtics from 2017-19 earlier heading overseas to proceed his pro career. 

Following an awesome EuroLeague showing pinch Real Madrid, Yabusele was snatched up by nan Philadelphia 76ers connected a veteran's minimum contract. In 70 contests for nan 24-58 Sixers, Yabusele averaged 11.0 points connected .501/.380/.725 shooting splits, 5.6 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 0.8 steals a night. His play earned him a important raise this summer.

Now, he'll subordinate a star-studded Knicks squad that appears group up to beryllium 1 of nan favorites successful nan Eastern Conference, on pinch nan Cleveland Cavaliers and possibly nan Orlando Magic and Atlanta Hawks.

“When you look astatine New York, you tin already spot that nan franchise has risen a batch successful caller years,” Yabusele added. “They are convention finalists; nan corporate task is visible and very absorbing for me. They are a very bully squad that plays very good together and is playing for nan title! Having this extremity was thing important for me, I want to play for something."

Yabusele besides cited nan Knicks' storied franchise and beloved homecourt arsenic incentives down his decision.

"Apart from that, New York is simply a historical team," Yabusele said. "Playing astatine Madison Square Garden is nan dream of each NBA player, including mine! It’s a typical place, I’m very happy to beryllium there!”

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