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Former LA Lakers star tipped to be the new Guerschon Yabusele, ‘deserves another chance’
Credit: Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto/Scott Taetsch via Getty Images

Several players have proven that NBA careers aren’t necessarily over after initial struggles or limited opportunities.

The most recent and obvious example is Guerschon Yabusele’s successful return to the league.

Yabusele failed to secure meaningful minutes during his first NBA stint with Boston from 2017-2019, averaging a maximum 7.1 minutes per game and starting just five games across two seasons.

After the Celtics waived him, he played in China before joining Real Madrid, where he won the EuroLeague championship in 2023.

Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images

Guerschon Yabusele’s redemption story is a blueprint for second-chance success, Isaac Bonga may follow

The Philadelphia 76ers brought Yabusele back to the NBA last season, where he delivered impressive production.

He averaged 27.1 minutes per game, started 43 of 70 games, and contributed 11.0 points and 5.6 rebounds while shooting 38% from three-point range as a reliable stretch big.

This summer, Yabusele signed with the New York Knicks, demonstrating his ambition to prove his NBA capabilities.

The transformation from fringe NBA player to reliable contributor shows how international experience can address weaknesses and build confidence for second opportunities.

NBA analyst Kevin O’Connor believes Isaac Bonga could follow Yabusele’s path after his EuroBasket 2025 performance.

Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images

Kevin O’Connor identifies Isaac Bonga as potential steal following Germany’s EuroBasket triumph

The former Lakers player helped Germany capture the championship with a dominant 88-83 victory over Turkey.

“Isaac Bonga looks like he deserves another chance in the NBA. The improved jumper seems real: He’s made 38.3% of his 3s in three international seasons. Could be a steal of a signing like Yabusele was last summer,” O’Connor wrote.

Bonga earned man-of-the-match honors in the final with 20 points, one steal, one block, and perfect three-point shooting.

Throughout the tournament, he averaged 1.4 steals and shot 45.2% from beyond the arc, showcasing improved defense and reliable shooting.

Orlando Magic star Franz Wagner, Bonga’s teammate, also believes his countryman is ready for an NBA comeback.

Bonga originally left the league due to inconsistent shooting and defense, but his international development suggests he’s addressed those weaknesses and deserves another opportunity.

This article first appeared on NBA Analysis Network and was syndicated with permission.

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