After their breakout Olympics, the Spurs can pair Wembanyama with his French teammate
By Cal Durrett
![Victor Wembanyama, Isaia Cordinier, Nicolas Batum, Rudy Gobert, Guerschon Yabusele Victor Wembanyama, Isaia Cordinier, Nicolas Batum, Rudy Gobert, Guerschon Yabusele](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_5048,h_2839,x_0,y_499/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/GettyImages/mmsport/307/01j530b46g2kjmss9ae6.jpg)
Reigning Rookie of the Year Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs had a strong showing in the Olympics and against Team USA. That resulted in him winning a silver medal with Team France and it has also put one of his teammates into the spotlight.
Guerschon Yabusele last played in the NBA five seasons ago before returning to Europe, where he had evolved into a capable player, even dropping 20 points in the gold medal game. With increased attention surrounding him, he has already stated that he is willing to return to the NBA next season.
Been waiting for a 2nd chance.. I’m ready 😤🧸
— Guerschon Yabusele (@yabusele28) August 11, 2024
However, few teams have open roster spots. Nevertheless, that has led to questions about whether he could join his French teammate, Wembanyama, on the Spurs next season.
Will the San Antonio Spurs sign Guerschon Yabusele?
The Spurs have historically been the top landing spot for international players. Specifically French players, with French icon Tony Parker playing 18 seasons there, as well as Ian Mahinmi, and Nando De Colo, who played for Team France and on the Spurs 2014 championship team.
The Spurs currently have 21 players under contract for next season, 22 if they were to sign Yabusele. However, their roster may not be nearly as jam-packed as it might seem. They have 18 players competing for 15 NBA roster spots and three two-way roster spots, which are already filled.
Brandon Boston Jr., Riley Minix, and Malachi Flynn appear to be on the outside looking in, with Minix and Flynn on exhibit 10 contracts. The Spurs have historically guided players on those deals to their G League affiliates after waiving them. It's possible that all three could end up with the Austin Spurs.
The Spurs don't have much depth at power forward, with Harrison Barnes likely to start at the four next season and Jeremy Sochan essentially playing small forward. That could lead to a need at the backup four that Yabusele can fill.
Especially if the Spurs were to make another move, presumably involving Keldon Johnson or waiving one of their many young players. That is a possibility. However, with offers from other teams with a clearer path to playing time, Wembanyama and Yabusele may not play together in the NBA.
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