Guerschon Yabusele is rebuilding his NBA career with the Knicks after a strong season in Philadelphia and years overseas. How New York’s system and culture are helping him thrive.

Twelve months ago, Guerschon Yabusele was little more than a footnote in NBA circles—a former first-round pick whose career had slipped overseas after an underwhelming stint with the Celtics. Now, he’s back in the league and carving out a role with the New York Knicks, proving that perseverance and reinvention can still create second chances in today’s NBA.

Yabusele’s return to the league last season with the Philadelphia 76ers was the first sign that the narrative was shifting. In 70 games, he averaged 11.0 points and 5.6 rebounds, shooting an efficient 50.1% from the field. After five seasons in France, China and Spain—five years spent rebuilding his confidence and reshaping his body—the “Dancing Bear” finally reminded teams why he was once selected 16th overall in the 2016 draft.

From Boston Frustration to Global Reinvention

Yabusele’s NBA beginnings were rocky. In Boston, he struggled to find a consistent role, and conditioning issues limited his development. After just two seasons, he was out of the league, forced to redefine his game abroad.

Those years became transformative. International basketball demanded discipline, versatility and maturity—and Yabusele returned to the U.S. last season far more prepared than during his first NBA run.

New York Saw the Opportunity

When the Knicks signed him in the offseason, the move was more than a depth play. It represented the franchise’s belief in upside, especially on a roster already rich with playoff experience and complementary talent.

New York wanted size, mobility and second-unit scoring, and Yabusele offered all three. At 6’8”, 260 pounds, he brings uncommon agility for his frame, along with improved shooting touch and a willingness to battle on the glass. In an Eastern Conference that has thinned out in recent years, the signing was a calculated attempt to strengthen the bench and steal rotational advantages.

Yabusele Embracing the Knicks’ Culture

One of the reasons the fit works is Yabusele’s mindset. Upon arriving in New York, he spoke openly about how much he still wanted to learn:

“There might still be room. I’m coming in here every day just telling myself that I’m trying to learn something. These guys have the experience of being in the Eastern Conference finals, but, obviously, I’ve been in the NBA. I’m coming here trying to learn from those guys.”

This humility and hunger have resonated within a Knicks culture built around effort, versatility and adaptability. Surrounded by battle-tested players and a coaching staff that demands accountability, Yabusele is in an environment that maximizes his strengths and pushes him to refine the rest.

The Next Chapter in a Career Few Expected to Revive

Whether Yabusele becomes a long-term rotation piece or remains a situational weapon, his journey back to the NBA is already one of the more compelling comeback stories of the year. The Knicks needed depth. Yabusele needed another chance. And together, they may have found a partnership that benefits both sides.

For a player once labeled a draft bust, the opportunity to build a meaningful role on a contender is more than a revival—it’s a chance to redefine the legacy of his NBA career.

Pope Francis welcomed more than 100 major Hollywood and international film professionals to the Vatican, delivering a powerful message on compassion and the transformative role of cinema.

In an unprecedented cultural gathering, more than 100 leading figures from the global film industry—including renowned actors, directors, and producers—were welcomed by Pope Francis inside the Apostolic Palace. Among the attendees were Cate Blanchett, Alison Brie, Viggo Mortensen, Judd Apatow, and iconic filmmaker Spike Lee.

The gathering brought together an impressive roster of Italian cinema as well, with appearances from Monica Bellucci, Dario Argento, and Matteo Garrone.

Cate Blanchett Praises the Pope’s Message

Speaking to journalists after the audience, Cate Blanchett described the pope’s remarks as profoundly meaningful:

“His words were extraordinary and I wish cultural ministers around the world would take heed. He talked about compassion and leaning into the problems of the world.”

Blanchett emphasized how the pope’s tone resonated deeply with the creative community, reinforcing cinema’s power to address global challenges.

Spike Lee Gives the Pope a Knicks Jersey

Among the most memorable moments was filmmaker Spike Lee’s personal exchange with the pope. An avid New York Knicks fan, Lee gifted the pontiff a customized Knicks jersey.

Lee later explained:

“He’s the 14th Pope (Leo), so the jersey was number 14. And on the back, it said ‘Pope Leo.’”

Lee also noted a playful coincidence: the Knicks currently feature three players from Villanova University—the same institution attended by Cardinal Robert Prevost, now a senior Vatican official.

Pope Francis: “Cinema Ignites the Eyes of the Soul”

During his address, the 70-year-old pontiff—dressed in his traditional white vestments—spoke poetically about the transformative power of film.

“When the magic light of cinema illuminates the darkness, it simultaneously ignites the eyes of the soul,” he said.

He highlighted cinema’s ability to help people re-examine their lives and reconnect with hope:

“One of cinema’s most valuable contributions is helping audiences consider their own lives, look at the complexity of their experiences with new eyes and examine the world as if for the first time. In doing so, they rediscover a portion of the hope that is essential for humanity to live to the fullest.”

The pope shook hands one by one with all invited guests, underlining the personal significance he placed on the event.

Draymond Green criticized the New York Knicks and their stars Karl-Anthony Towns and Jalen Brunson, claiming the team doesn’t have what it takes to win a championship. Here’s what he said on his latest podcast.

Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green has never been one to hold back his thoughts — whether he’s on the court or behind the mic on his popular show, The Draymond Green Podcast.

In the latest episode, the outspoken All-Star took aim at one of the NBA’s hottest teams, the New York Knicks, questioning whether they truly have the makeup of a championship contender.

“The Knicks Are Not Contenders,” Says Draymond Green

During his podcast, Green directly called out the Knicks and their two All-Star players — Karl-Anthony Towns and Jalen Brunson — suggesting that the team’s defensive inconsistencies and offensive predictability could hold them back from winning at the highest level.

“The Knicks, I just personally don’t believe that they’re contenders,” Green said. “I don’t think they have what it takes to win at the highest level. You can stifle their offense and make things hard for them. And defensively, when you have two key players on the floor who don’t really want to defend, it makes it tough to win big games.”

Green’s comments immediately sparked debate across the NBA community, especially given how strongly New York has started under new head coach Mike Brown.

Mike Brown’s New System Shifts Brunson’s Role

Under Brown, the Knicks have adopted a more balanced offensive approach. Instead of relying solely on Jalen Brunson’s isolation plays, the team is focusing on ball movement and spacing, with the goal of keeping defenses guessing.

To start the season, Brunson’s dribbles per touch have noticeably dropped, signaling a change in how New York runs its sets. Brown’s system encourages quicker decisions and more off-ball action — a style designed to make the offense less predictable and harder to contain.

While Green’s criticism may have some merit in pointing out the team’s growing pains, the Knicks’ offensive evolution appears to be a work in progress rather than a flaw.

Karl-Anthony Towns Still Battling Through Injury

Green also alluded to the Knicks’ defensive struggles, an area that has been affected by Karl-Anthony Towns’ ongoing quad injury. The All-Star forward has been playing through discomfort, limiting his explosiveness and mobility on both ends of the floor.

Despite the slow start, New York still boasts one of the deepest rosters in the Eastern Conference, and with Towns expected to recover fully in the coming weeks, optimism around Madison Square Garden remains high.

Knicks Still Poised to Compete for the East

While Draymond Green’s comments were harsh, they might serve as fuel for a Knicks team still searching for rhythm early in the season. With Jalen Brunson’s leadership, Towns’ versatility, and Brown’s modern offensive system, New York remains one of the top threats to win the Eastern Conference once the playoffs roll around.

Critics may doubt them now — but if the Knicks continue to develop chemistry and stay healthy, Green’s words could age poorly come June.