#16 Boston Celtics: Guerschon Yabusele

With the 16th pick in the 2016 NBA Draft, the Boston Celtics selected Guerschon Yabusele.

Yabusele last played for Rouen Métropole Basket of Ligue Nationale de Basket Pro A. Yabusele is clearly a draft-and-stash pick for the Celtics, as most analysts believed that he would be picked with a late first-round or early second-round pick. The Celtics had several picks in this draft, so there was a high probability that at least one pick would be used on a player who could continue to play overseas and come to the NBA a few seasons down the road.

Yabusele is a 6’8, 270-pound forward with roughly a 7’2 wingspan. He has a large frame and is a gifted scorer. He is a solid shooter with his feet set and seems to avoid taking shots off the dribble. His release is somewhat flawed mechanically, and he doesn’t get much elevation, but he is a reliable threat from the perimeter and could develop in a reliable pick-and-pop power forward down the road.

He is able to score in various ways, including off-the-ball cuts to the basket, in transition and in the post somewhat. However, his defensive intensity and impact is lacking at this point. He is not a great rim protector and doesn’t have great lateral quickness.

Nevertheless, Yabusele’s current limitations aren’t as important as his long-term outlook. He has athleticism, size and can space the floor with his shooting. He isn’t great at any single thing, but can be an impact player down the road.