Fansided

2016 NBA Draft: where are they now?

By Brandon Jefferson

TORONTO, ON - MAY 7: Philadelphia 76ers guard Ben Simmons (25) reaches in on Toronto Raptors forward Pascal Siakam (43). Toronto Raptors vs Philadelphia 76ers in1st half action of Round 2, Game 5 of NBA playoff play at Scotiabank Arena. Raptors win 125-89 and now lead series 3-2. Toronto Star/Rick Madonik (Rick Madonik/Toronto Star via Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - MAY 7: Philadelphia 76ers guard Ben Simmons (25) reaches in on Toronto Raptors forward Pascal Siakam (43). Toronto Raptors vs Philadelphia 76ers in1st half action of Round 2, Game 5 of NBA playoff play at Scotiabank Arena. Raptors win 125-89 and now lead series 3-2. Toronto Star/Rick Madonik (Rick Madonik/Toronto Star via Getty Images) /
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BROOKLYN, NY – JUNE 23: Guerschon Yabusele is interviewed after being selected number sixteen overall by the during the 2016 NBA Draft on June 23, 2016 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Michael J. LeBrecht II /NBAE via Getty Images)
BROOKLYN, NY – JUNE 23: Guerschon Yabusele is interviewed after being selected number sixteen overall by the during the 2016 NBA Draft on June 23, 2016 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Michael J. LeBrecht II /NBAE via Getty Images) /

16. Guerschon Yabusele, Boston Celtics

Keeping with the international flavor of recent picks, the Boston Celtics opted to select French forward Guerschon Yabusele 16th overall in the 2016 NBA Draft. At 6-foot-8 and 260 pounds, Yabusele was a physical marvel and his agility helped him earn the nickname “Dancing Bear” during his time overseas. He started his professional career with Chorale Roanne in 2013 and then made the move to Rouen Metropole who played in France’s top league in order to improve his draft stock.

The move worked as he found himself being taken in the middle of the first round. Versatility was Yabusele’s calling card and with teams across the league attempting to recreate the magic that the Golden State Warriors found with Draymond Green, Yabusele was the Celtics swing st finding that rare player. Boston was another team with multiple first round picks (three, 16, and 23) and even more second rounders the thought was that they were going to bet on the upside and overseas players for a majority of their choices.

A month after being drafted, Yabusele announced that he would sign with the Shanghai Sharks of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA). In his one season in China, he would average 20.9 points and 9.4 rebounds per game and be named a CBA All-Star. After the season ended he signed with Boston’s G-League team, the Maine Red Claws for the remainder of the 2016-17 season. The next year he would be a member of the Celtics and in his rookie season, he would see time with both the G-League and NBA teams.

Last season was more of the same as Yabusele appeared in just 41 games for the Celtics. Given the changes that are likely coming to Boston with Kyrie Irving and Al Horford entering free agency, there’s a path to Yabusele earning more time next year. Brad Stevens has dusted him off for specialty assignments (mainly defending Giannis Antetokounmpo for short stints in playoff series) but if Yabusele can prove he can contribute more in a bigger role Boston’s role of the dice in 2016 may pay off huge.

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