Nick Nurse should consider adding Guerschon Yabusele to the starting lineup

The Philadelphia 76ers’ start to the 2024-25 season resembled a terrible plot twist in a Tubi movie. In recent days, the franchise has endured Joel Embiid’s suspension, an injury to Tyrese Maxey and the team falling to 1-6 on the season.

It’s too early to panic in the city of brotherly love. Paul George is just finding his grove and looking healthy.

Despite suffering from a hamstring injury, Maxey continues to show up day in and day out. Kelly Oubre Jr. has been consistent this season, averaging double figures due to his ability to get off the dribble. KJ Martin had a solid performance in Wednesday night’s loss to the Los Angeles Clippers and Jared McCain might be the best player in the draft so far.

At the moment, the Sixers are having problems with offensive efficiency and scoring points in crucial periods of the game. However, it is still too early to hit the panic button, and there is one player that head coach Nick Nurse should add to the starting lineup: Guerschon Yabusele.

Nurse should be willing to include Yabusele in the starting group due to his big motor. His ability to defend against loose balls and rebounds continues to make his mark in every game.

The 6-foot-8 forward is averaging 8.4 points, 3.9 rebounds and 2.3 assists while shooting 37.9 percent from three assists. His numbers may not be eye-catching, but his efficiency is key.

The former Boston Celtic can impact the game on both ends of the court without having the ball in his hands.

Yabusele’s strength, size and speed create imbalances in other teams’ frontcourts, as he can run out on the counterattack or slide behind defenders in the half court.

The Sixers forward smashes the glass after every shot attempt. The moment a shot goes up, he sprints to the rim and often comes in with multiple offensive boards, giving him chances for second points.

Yabusele has active hands and plays the passing lanes well.

Ultimately, Yabusele’s performance at the Olympics with France led to his return to the NBA. Unfortunately, the 28-year-old won’t have the ball in his hands as much as he did in the Olympics, but he will still play a big role for this team. He bought into the vision that Nurse implemented.

Yabusele is a professional and will focus on being the perfect teammate by involving others. His ability to play in any lineup will be crucial going forward.

If Nurse decides to adjust his starting lineup and add Yabusele, who would he remove? Caleb Martin or Oubre could be two possible candidates given their contributions as backup players for their previous teams.

Oubre Jr. is averaging 17 points, 4.1 rebounds and 1.1 assists while shooting 43.3 percent from the field and a lazy 30 percent from three. Still, he can create his own shot, land on the edge with both hands and take the kickoff.

The Kansas product will find a way to generate offense or help the team change momentum with a fierce dunk. Given his consistency, it would be best to keep him in the starting lineup.

Martin was a key bench player for the Miami Heat but started six games with the 76ers. He struggled to find a rhythm early in the season and is currently shooting 20 percent from three.

The 6-foot-3 small forward is averaging 10.7 points, 6.6 rebounds and 2.7 assists while shooting a career-low 33.8 percent from the floor. It’s too early to panic, but switching to the second unit could ease production pressure.

Some players thrive off the bench because it gives the starters a break, they have more freedom to create offense, and it’s a comfortable spot for them.

From a points perspective, there’s only a 2.3 point drop, but the Sixers need a shot in the arm. Martin was signed as a 3-and-D player, but it’s been an uphill battle so far.

Again, this isn’t the time to panic in Philly, but there’s nothing wrong with experimenting with lineups.