Guerschon Yabusele, a promising addition to the Knicks this offseason, finds himself navigating a steep learning curve as he adjusts to his new team and the demands of head coach Mike Brown’s fast-paced system. The 29-year-old forward, who signed a lucrative $12 million contract, is naturally a power forward but possesses the versatility to play center—a role he unexpectedly assumed during a recent preseason game against the Wizards.
Yabusele’s preseason performance has raised eyebrows, particularly during his 23 minutes on the court against Washington, where the Knicks were outscored by 33 points while he was on the floor. The game highlighted the challenges he faces as he adapts to a new environment and a different style of play. With his impressive 6-foot-8 frame and 265-pound build, Yabusele brings a physical presence, yet he has struggled to find his rhythm, averaging just 4.5 points in 16 minutes per game with a shooting percentage of 33%.
In a surprising turn, Yabusele was thrust into the starting center position after Ariel Hukporti was sidelined due to illness. It was a test that showcased both the potential and pitfalls of his game. Brown noted that Yabusele was perhaps overthinking his role, which hindered his performance on both ends of the court. “He was thinking a little too much, which is gonna happen,” Brown observed. “It kind of brought his game to a halt in other areas.” However, there were signs of improvement, as Yabusele’s energy and activity level increased in the second half, hinting at his capability to adapt under pressure.
The Knicks’ head coach has emphasized that players like Yabusele and Karl-Anthony Towns, who also plays multiple frontcourt positions, bear a significant burden in understanding the team’s new conceptual offense. Both must be adept at reading the game and reacting accordingly, a skill set that will take time to develop. Yabusele himself acknowledged the challenge, stating, “For sure, it’s pretty big [of a learning curve] in the offense,” indicating that the pace of play is a significant adjustment for him.
The preseason serves as a crucial period for Yabusele to flatten this learning curve. As he navigates through missteps—such as being caught out of position or beaten on defensive plays—he is also taking proactive steps to engage with Brown during game stoppages to clarify expectations and improve his understanding. “We had a conversation about what was happening in the game,” Yabusele reflected on a moment when he was temporarily benched for a coaching discussion. This willingness to learn and adapt is essential, especially in a league where the pace can overwhelm even the most seasoned players.
Yabusele’s commitment to fitting into the Knicks’ system is commendable. He has expressed a desire to be a “solution, not a problem,” showcasing his dedication to contributing positively to the team. As he continues to acclimate, it will be interesting to see how he harnesses his physical attributes and basketball IQ to become a key contributor for New York.
In conclusion, while Guerschon Yabusele’s preseason has been fraught with challenges, it also presents an opportunity for growth. With the right mindset and continued guidance from his coaching staff, he could emerge as a valuable asset in the Knicks’ quest for success in the upcoming season. As the saying goes, “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger,” and for Yabusele, this learning period may just be the catalyst he needs to thrive in the NBA.
