It appears another member of the Boston Celtics’ 2016 draft class won’t be spending the upcoming season stateside.
Guerschon Yabusele has agreed to a one-year deal with the Chinese Basketball Association’s Shanghai Sharks, a league source told The Boston Globe’s Adam Himmelsbach. The French forward could make up to $1.5 million in bonuses next season, per Himmelsbach’s source.
Yabusele’s decision to play overseas isn’t much of a surprise, as the Celtics still own his rights while he gets the opportunity to play in meaningful games. The 20-year-old big man had been weighing “several offers” to play internationally, according to Brian Robb of 98.5 The Sports Hub.
It’s unlikely he’ll be the only Celtics prospect overseas, as president of basketball operations Danny Ainge said recently that No. 23 pick Ante Zizic will play internationally this season. Not having Yabusele or Zizic on the payroll in for the 2016-17 season also gives the Celtics more salary cap flexibility.
Taken with the No. 16 overall pick, Yabusele was one of six Celtics selections at the NBA Draft. He averaged 8.2 points and 6.0 rebounds in eight games for the Celtics’ summer league squad but likely would have been a long shot to make Boston’s crowded roster that now includes All-Star forward Al Horford.
Yabusele should be in good hands overseas, though, as Yao Ming played for the Sharks in the 1990s before coming to the NBA. Ming now is Shanghai’s team president.
Thumbnail photo via Brad Penner/USA TODAY Sports Images
