Knicks know there's going to be 'learning curve' for Guerschon Yabusele
Share and Follow

Guerschon Yabusele is navigating a challenging adjustment period, as observed by his new head coach, and recent performances have reflected this transition.

The 29-year-old Yabusele has faced difficulties settling into his role this preseason, frequently switching between frontcourt positions. His performance during Monday’s defeat against the Wizards was notably off-kilter.

As the Knicks’ most significant offseason addition, Yabusele joined the team on a $12 million free-agent deal. Standing at 6-foot-8, he is primarily a power forward but possesses the strength to handle the center position as well.


Guerschon Yabusele wins the opening tip of Monday night's preseason game against the Wizards.
Guerschon Yabusele wins the opening tip of Monday night’s preseason game against the Wizards. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post

In a surprising turn during the game against the Wizards, Yabusele was called upon to start at center after Ariel Hukporti was sidelined due to illness. Unfortunately, he was outperformed by Marvin Bagley III, a player once considered a draft disappointment.

During Yabusele’s 23 minutes on the court, the Knicks were outscored by a staggering 33 points.

“I thought it was a great opportunity for him to get some time at the center position,” Knicks coach Mike Brown said. “It’s tough for him and he was thinking a little too much, which is gonna happen. And it kind of brought his game to a halt in other areas. I thought the second half, his energy, his activity, was a lot better. He started feeling a little bit more comfortable in the second half, but it’s going to be a little bit of a learning curve for him.”

Brown has said Yabusele and Karl-Anthony Towns — who also plays both frontcourt positions — have the most on their plate in the new system “because they have to basically know all five positions and read and react in a conceptual offense.”

Yabusele, who is averaging 4.5 points in the preseason in 16 minutes on 33 percent shooting, said his biggest adjustment is the pace.

Listed at 265 pounds, he’s carrying around a big body for Brown’s speedball system.

“For sure, it’s pretty big [of a learning curve] in the offense,” he said, “and also like running, so the biggest key for me was to just run all the time, try to run to the basket to try to make the other teams tired.”

After consecutive bad defensive possessions from Yabusele in Monday’s second quarter — when he was beaten backdoor and then was out of position while being taken off the dribble — Brown subbed out the Frenchman for a quick chat.

Yabusele was subbed back in about 40 seconds later.


Guerschon Yabusele with the ball looking to pass during a preseason game.
Guerschon Yabusele looks to pass the ball during a preseason game against the Wizards on Monday at the Garden. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post

“We had a conversation about what was happening in the game,” Yabusele said. “We talked about a situation that was there, and what he wanted me to do better.”

After all, preseason is a good time to flatten the learning curve.

“I’m really trying to be as much as I can be focused to try to get every detail to make sure I’m at the right spot,” Yabusele said. “For me, it’s a new team with new guys so I really try to fit into the system and be a solution not a problem.”

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Georgia woman hospitalized after attacker hurls corrosive chemical during evening walk

Shocking Assault in Georgia: Woman Hospitalized After Vicious Acid Attack During Evening Stroll

A Georgia woman is on the mend after suffering severe injuries from…
Report: FDA to add most serious warning to COVID shots

FDA Set to Implement Strongest Warning Label on COVID Vaccines, Report Reveals

A “black box” warning is the FDA’s most serious alert, designed to…
Israeli official issues stark warning after chilling Syrian military war chants surface

Israeli Official Delivers Urgent Warning Amid Emergence of Ominous Syrian Military Chants

During a military parade in Damascus on Tuesday, a group of Syrian…
Emergency crews, including National Guard soldiers, wort in a neighborhood flooded by the Skagit River on Friday, Dec. 12, 2025, in Burlington, Wash. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)

Unprecedented Washington Floods Prompt Heroic Rescues Amid Record-Setting Rainfall

BURLINGTON, Wash. (AP) — Eddie Wicks and his wife retired for the…
Putin doubles down on backing Maduro amid mounting US pressure on Venezuela

Putin Strengthens Support for Maduro as US Intensifies Pressure on Venezuela

On Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin engaged in a phone conversation with…
'It's unbelievable': Community mourns Jacksonville music legend who was shot, killed

Heartbreaking Loss: Jacksonville Mourns the Tragic Death of Beloved Music Icon

The vibrant music community of Jacksonville is reeling from the tragic loss…
Glamorous judge's career ends in disgrace after she was caught lying

High-Profile Judge Faces Career Ruin Following Deception Scandal

A Louisiana judge known for her glamorous persona has been removed from…
'Let's try to get them back': JTA CEO hopes reduced fare will boost ridership, save riders money

JTA CEO Introduces Reduced Fare Initiative to Boost Ridership and Save Commuters Money

In a move set to ease the financial burden for commuters, the…