Celtics Post-Draft Analysis
By David Craft
Guerschon Yabusele, PF… Round 1, Pick 16
This was actually my favorite pick of the night. I mean, at first, I hated it, but the past is the past.
With the emergence of Sir Kristaps this season, the inevitable foreign player comparisons have shifted from Dirk Nowitzki to Porzingis. The name coming up most as the 20 year old rookie’s ‘heir’ was Dragan Bender, but I think Yabusele is a closer fit. The 6’8” Frenchman shot 43% from 3 last season, and, as a post presence with some size and versatility, fits in well with our system. Think Jared Sullinger that can actually shoot. Yabusele has the ability to play right away with our system.
…Good thing he won’t be doing that. In all likelihood, we’re stashing Yabusele away in Europe for the foreseeable future, likely a dull prospect for Celts fans who were rabid at the prospect of 8 rookies all on the court at the same time.
Personally, if we were going to draft a French guy, I would’ve preferred Timothe Luwawu (if only because that is an absolute HOF level name). But Guerschon Yabusele will do.