Shanghai Sharks forward Guerschon Yabusele officially signed with Greek powerhouse Panathinaikos on July 8, 2026, on a three‑year contract. The move marks his return to Europe after two NBA seasons and adds frontcourt scoring and rebounding for the club.
Why is Yabusele's career path noteworthy?
In the 2024/25 season Yabusele appeared in 67 games for the Philadelphia 76ers, New York Knicks and Chicago Bulls, averaging 5.6 points and 3.5 rebounds per game, providing solid rotation depth. Before returning to Europe he starred for Real Madrid, winning multiple domestic and international titles and helping the team overturn a 0‑2 deficit in the 2022/23 EuroLeague playoffs before clinching the championship. His résumé also includes stints with ASVEL, Rouen, Roanne, the Nanjing Monkey Kings and the Shanghai Sharks.
What does reuniting with Zeljko Obradovic mean?
Obradovic is back at the helm of Panathinaikos, and his last encounter with Yabusele came in the 2022/23 EuroLeague quarterfinals when Yabusele's Real Madrid faced Obradovic’s Partizan. The series featured a dramatic on‑court brawl; Yabusele received a five‑game suspension, yet Madrid rallied to win the series and eventually the title. Now the two will work together again, aiming to restore Panathinaikos to the top of EuroLeague and the Greek League.
How does Yabusele fit into the summer rebuild?
Yabusele is the club’s second official summer signing after Moustapha Fall arrived from Olympiacos. Panathinaikos is also tracking Brancou Badio and Isaac Bonga. Coaching changes are significant: Ergin Ataman departed after three seasons, Obradovic returned, Mike Batiste joined as assistant, and club legend Dimitris Diamantidis took a managerial role. Yabusele brings reliable mid‑range shooting and rebounding, expected to start or rotate as a power forward.
What departures have reshaped the roster?
Alongside the new arrivals, Panathinaikos confirmed the exits of Kenneth Faried, T.J. Shorts, Marius Grigonis and Alexandros Samodurov. The revamped roster aims to compete for the 2026/27 EuroLeague and Greek League titles, and Shanghai Sharks fans will be watching Yabusele’s impact closely.