Guerschon Yabusele, the New York Knicks forward, is under scrutiny for his slow start to the season, including a scoreless 12-minute outing against the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday, November 26.
But the chatter hasn’t been about just his play. Fans and critics have zeroed in on his weight, sparking a wave of body-shaming questions. But the 2023 EuroLeague champion insists he’s unbothered by the commentary, calling it flat-out misguided.
Guerschon Yabusele Not Concerned Over Body Weight Criticism
Speaking to The New York Post before Wednesday’s blowout win over the Hornets, Yabusele made it clear he isn’t entertaining outside criticism.
“People say whatever they want to say,” he said. “If you guys check with my weight from last year, it’s the same. So last year it wasn’t a problem –why is it a problem this year? And I’m actually less than last year.”
The Knicks list Yabusele at 283 pounds, which places him among the league’s heaviest by listed weights. Last season, when he excelled with the Philadelphia 76ers, the team’s media guide had him at 279 pounds, essentially identical.
That’s part of why he refuses to let the outside noise disturb him. “I’m not focusing on none of that. I’m just doing my thing,” he added. “I feel good and in great shape. So it is what it is.”
The Knicks signed Yabusele to a two-year, $11.3 million deal this summer with a player option for year two, expecting him to become a top frontcourt reserve behind their core.
They invested nearly their entire mid-level exception in him after his strong season with the Sixers, and his leadership role captaining the French national team in European competition.
But the transition hasn’t gone smoothly under new head coach Mike Brown. Yabusele has struggled to carve out a consistent role.
He is averaging just 2.6 points in 10.6 minutes per game while shooting 33.3% from the field and 26.7% from three, far from the reliable stretch forward New York envisioned.
Knicks Rolling As Yabusele Works To Regain Form
Still, Yabusele believes he’s physically where he needs to be. “I feel good out there on the court. I feel like I’m in great shape right now,” he said. “Just try to stay the same and work on my body and be as prepared as I can when I’m on the court.”
Fortunately for New York, the team hasn’t suffered despite his sluggish start. The Knicks improved to 11-6 with Wednesday’s win and currently sit fourth in the Eastern Conference under Brown, who has leaned heavily on his defensive identity and tightened rotation.
Next up for the Knicks is a tough challenge: a Friday, November 28 matchup with the Milwaukee Bucks, which could be a chance for Yabusele to reset the conversation on the floor.