Very few players know the honor of dunking on LeBron James, one of the most revered athletes in the history of basketball. James, with his remarkable basketball IQ and natural athleticism, is rarely out of position. Yet, every so often, a player seizes the moment and etches their name into basketball lore.
A Moment to Remember
Six years ago, in Game 7 of the 2018 Eastern Conference finals, it was Jayson Tatum, then a rookie, who delivered a stunning slam on LeBron James. That moment remains arguably the most famous play of Tatum’s career. Fast forward to this year, and we witnessed another player achieving a similar feat on an even grander stage.
During the gold medal game of this year's Olympics, French forward Guerschon Yabusele dunked on LeBron James, a highlight that will be talked about for years to come. Yabusele’s dunk occurred in the second quarter, a maneuver that saw him skillfully bypass Devin Booker on the perimeter. As James rotated to position himself for a charge, Yabusele finished with a potent dunk, drawing a foul in the process—a play that exemplified his athleticism and determination.
The Rise of Yabusele
Yabusele has emerged as one of the breakout stars of the tournament. His relentless motor and strength have turned him into an interior force, while his shooting ability has kept opposing defenses on their toes. These attributes were in full display during France's tactical decision to play smaller and limit Rudy Gobert's minutes during the knockout stages. This strategic choice allowed Yabusele to seize the spotlight and demonstrate his full range of skills.
Drafted as the No. 16 pick by the Boston Celtics in the 2016 NBA Draft, Yabusele's initial NBA career did not pan out as expected. Since 2019, he has been playing professionally abroad and currently plies his trade with Real Madrid. Despite the setbacks, Yabusele has expressed a clear interest in returning to the NBA. "You gotta tell (the Celtics) to bring me back," he told The Boston Globe's Gary Washburn.
A Historic Performance
This year’s Olympics have given Yabusele the stage to showcase his capabilities, providing France with a significant advantage throughout the tournament. His performance against Team USA was a strong indicator of his potential to compete at the highest level of the sport. The dunk on LeBron James not only serves as a personal highlight but has also cemented Yabusele’s place in the annals of basketball history.
If Yabusele's recent form is anything to go by, his return to the NBA may not just be a possibility but an impending reality. For now, his exploits on the international stage have given basketball fans plenty to talk about and speculate upon. Whether or not he rejoins the Celtics, one thing is certain: Yabusele has arrived, and he’s here to make an impact.