Latest news with #GuerschonYabusele
Forbes
2 days ago
- Sport
- Forbes
The New York Knicks Hit A Home Run With This Offseason Move
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JANUARY 15: Guerschon Yabusele #28 of the Philadelphia 76ers talks to ... More Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks at the Wells Fargo Center on January 15, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Knicks defeated the 76ers 125-119 in overtime. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by) I know it has been nearly a month since it happened, but I still cannot stop thinking about how great an addition it was for the New York Knicks to sign Guerschon Yabusele. We'll get to the specifics in just a moment. But here is the short of it: he addresses one of their most pressing issues, helps bolster a strategy that worked well for them last postseason, and came to them at an absolute bargain compared to his actual production. Yabusele Gives The Knicks Bench Some Much Needed Depth While it turned out that their bench wasn't as terrible as Tom Thibodeau's Machiavellian treatment of the starters would suggest, they still didn't have much bite once the starters left the floor. Last season, the Knicks ranked dead-last in bench points per game, and based on the chart below, it wasn't even close: Yabusele will step in and immediately become their bullpen's best reliever. According to Estimated Plus-Minus (arguably the best one-number metric on the market because it incorporates tracking data), Yabusele placed in the 84th percentile in the entire league on the offensive side of the ball (per Dunks & Threes). That ranks higher than any non-starter from last year's Knicks team. Heck, that ranks higher than everyone not named Jalen Brunson or Karl-Anthony Towns. Yabusele Lets The Knicks Play More Double Big Lineups One of the biggest leaguewide storylines from last season was the re-emergence of double big lineups. All across the league, teams were having success with two titans in the frontcourt. The Knicks were not immune to this trend, as they posted a net rating of +8.3 in the 165 minutes that Towns and Mitchell Robinson shared the floor (per PBP Stats). For those who aren't hyper familiar with Yabusele's game, he is like the Diet Coke version of Towns. He's a big man who can hit triples (38%), put the ball on the floor (97th percentile true shooting on drives, per and offer some playmaking/passing (52nd percentile Passer Rating). Even a lesser version of this player archetype is incredibly valuable because it allows your team to go double big alongside a traditional center (i.e., Robinson) without sacrificing floor spacing. Yabusele gives the Knicks another key to unlocking their best lineup. Now, the Knicks have more lineup versatility/flexibility in the event that one of Towns/Robinson is injured or gets into foul trouble. Yabusele's Contract Is A Steal For The Knicks Yabusele signed with the Knicks for a little less than the full taxpayer mid-level exception. To be exact, his average annual value (AAV) over the next two years will be 5.6 million dollars (per Spotrac). However, based on my formula for estimating production value, if Yabusele can emulate his numbers from 2024-25, he will be worth roughly 14.1 million dollars in 2025-26. That difference of 8.5 million dollars makes him one of the five best value signings of the offseason thus far (to see the rest of those contracts, be sure to check out this link here). With most of their assets tied up in their formidable starting five, the Knicks faced a nearly impossible mission: trying to improve a bench with limited resources to do so. To be fair, the job still isn't finished (insert Kobe Bryant snippet). The Knicks could use one more two-way wing to complete their ten-man rotation (they would do well to re-sign Landry Shamet or sign Amir Coffey). But if this does end up being it for them, the Knicks did a great job adding a perfect-fitting piece to a team that came two wins away from the NBA Finals.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Knicks linked to former Clippers sharpshooter
The New York Knicks have already made numerous additions to beef up their second unit ahead of next season. Jordan Clarkson and Guerschon Yabusele have already joined the party, and the Knicks might not be done quite yet. The Knicks still have one remaining contract that they can hand out in free agency, and many players have come up as potential targets. Sports Illustrated's Henry Brown mentioned Amir Coffey as a potential fit for the Knicks. 'He played over 24 minutes per game in 2024-25 before slipping out of the playoff rotation in a tight, seven-game loss against the Denver Nuggets, but he won't be asked to play big minutes should the Knicks pick him up,' Brown wrote. 'They're already projected to go at least nine-deep on the regular between their talented starting lineup and improved bench, and could use a 40+ 3-point shooter to improve the spacing of their reserve lineups.' Coffey has spent his entire six-season career with the Los Angeles Clippers, averaging 6.7 points and 1.1 assists per game in his career. This past season, Coffey averaged a career-high 9.7 points per game in 72 appearances (13 starts), and shot 41 percent from three-point range. Coffey could provide the Knicks with added spacing off the bench, and also as a versatile wing in the second unit. Standing at 6-foot-7, Coffey can play at shooting guard or small forward, and gives the team a lot of versatility to mix-and-match lineups.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Should Knicks sign Ben Simmons or someone else with final roster spot?
The post Should Knicks sign Ben Simmons or someone else with final roster spot? appeared first on ClutchPoints. The New York Knicks have had an eventful offseason. They added new coach Mike Brown. And they also signed free agent guard Jordan Clarkson, as well as forward Guerschon Yabusele. Without a healthy Jayson Tatum and Tyrese Haliburton, the Knicks look to enter the 2025-26 season ready to capitalize on a weakened Eastern Conference. But with one remaining roster spot, the Knicks can still make one final move. Now, the question becomes what to do with that spot. And one name that's come up has been Ben Simmons. Should the Knicks consider Ben Simmons? Simmons, a former first-overall pick, has had a tough time the last few seasons. After famously passing up a relatively open layup late in a playoff series loss for the Philadelphia 76ers in 2021, he has bounced around the league. He was traded to the Brooklyn Nets, a team with which he spent two-and-a-half seasons. But Simmons was bought out by the Nets, allowing him to sign with the Los Angeles Clippers mid-way through the 2024-25 season. Simmons hasn't come close to reaching the levels he achieved with the 76ers. Granted, his back has presented major issues. But regardless of why, the nearly-29-year-old appears to be well past his prime. Adding a 6-foot-10 defender with great court vision who can initiate an offense is never a bad thing, especially when it's for the veteran's minimum. And even more so when it's in an undefined role with no guarantees of playing time—assuming Simmons is good with that. Still, the question must be asked: What does Simmons add to the Knicks? He could spell Jalen Brunson when the Knicks need a true(r) point guard. But Clarkson will probably own most of those minutes. He isn't a good enough shooter to play as a two or a three with most lineups. And a front court with Karl-Anthony Towns, Robinson, and Yabusele doesn't have much room to add another power forward or center. So, the question remains: Is there a better option? Could Landry Shamet be a better fit? Enter Landry Shamet. Shamet is certainly less accomplished than Simmons, although they're closer than one might think in recent years. But the 6-foot-4 guard has more going for him than meets the eye. After playing the 2024-25 season with the Knicks, he's a known commodity by most of the roster. He is also exactly what Simmons isn't: A knock-down shooter. Shamet connected on 39.7% of 3-pointers last season. And for a team with limited shooters, having someone reliable in a catch-and-shoot capacity is invaluable, especially someone who brings no drama and no baggage. But as much as bringing back Shamet represents a feel-good story, he might not be the perfect piece. Simmons' versatility is alluring. He can guard four or five positions on any given night. He is also an above-average rebounder and brings a desirable grittiness. However, it's important to note that Shamet was grittier than expected in the 2025 playoffs. Ultimately, New York can't go wrong with either Simmons or Shamet. Both are good additions. But objectively, it's unclear if Simmons would be alright with a limited role like the one Shamet had last season. If he is, he might be the better pure addition. But the off-the-court impact is just as important. And Shamet is seemingly well-liked by most of the roster. If both Simmons and Shamet are available and willing to sign, Leon Rose and Mike Brown must do some serious thinking. And fast. Because they bring very different attributes to the table. Understanding which is more valuable to the 2025-26 Knicks could be a make-or-break decision. Related: NBA rumors: Cavs, Mavericks, Knicks among teams hoping for LeBron James buyout Related: Knicks' Josh Hart undergoes procedure for finger injury
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Knicks coach reveals why New York 'didn't have a lot we could do' in free agency
The New York Knicks are shaping up to be one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference next season, despite not making major moves this summer. While Keith Smith of Spotrac was in Las Vegas for Summer League this year, he picked up some intriguing intel from several anonymous East sources, including some key Knicks personnel. Advertisement An unnamed Knicks coach explained to Smith why New York was encumbered by forces beyond its control when it came to team-building this summer. 'We didn't have a lot we could do, because of the apron. But we were able to land a really good big man in Guerschon (Yabusele) and an experienced backup guard in Jordan (Clarkson). We feel pretty good about getting those two guys,' a Knicks coach said. This story will be updated...
Yahoo
12-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Guerschon Yabusele reveals truth of 76ers' free-agency offer
The post Guerschon Yabusele reveals truth of 76ers' free-agency offer appeared first on ClutchPoints. Guerschon Yabusele is one of many players who switched teams as a free agent. After the Philadelphia 76ers gave him a contract after the 2024 Olympics, Yabusele had the best season of his career. However, the fourth-year pro joined the New York Knicks as a free agent. 76ers general manager Daryl Morey prioritized other things, including Quentin Grimes' restricted free agency. Advertisement Yabusele played a key role for Philadelphia, one of the most disappointing teams in the league. While Paul George's inconsistency and Joel Embiid's health dominated storylines, the French forward was a solid contributor. Unfortunately, Morey will have to replace him on his depth chart after Yabusele went to an Eastern Conference rival. While Yabusele is grateful for what the 76ers' gave him before last season, their offer was not enough to keep him. He spoke with SK Week TV about his free agency on Friday ahead of EuroCup 2025. According to him, he did not want to leave initially. 'Leaving Philly was not a major key,' Yabusele said. 'I was thinking to myself, I could have gone back. I didn't really have any issues over there, like I wanna leave, no.' Advertisement While the 76ers gave Yabusele his second chance in the NBA, he entered the offseason knowing what he was worth. After negotiations with Morey and Philadelphia's front office fell through, the forward joined the Knicks on a two-year, $12 million deal. Instead of keeping him on the roster, the 76ers could have chosen to save their money to re-sign Grimes. 'They almost didn't make really like an offer,' Yabusele said about the 76ers. 'They did, but it was really, really low, to be really transparent. I felt like 'Oh my god, you guys, seems like you don't really want me to stay.'' Yabusele's time in Philadelphia did not end as smooth as he wanted to be. However, he is looking forward to joining the Knicks. 'The Knicks came around with a good offer, but also, I feel like the team and everything that they had to give us was a good choice,' Yabusele said about his decision to go to New York. Advertisement Related: 76ers sign former Trail Blazers forward to two-way contract Related: Bulls rumors: Chicago labeled a fit for another RFA amid Josh Giddey talks
