The United States team won the gold medal in men’s Olympic basketball. They beat France in a hard-fought victory 98-87 on Saturday. While elite talents like Nikola Jokic, LeBron James and Stephen Curry were undoubtedly the stars of the tournament, some former NBA players enjoyed strong performances, potentially earning them another chance in the league.
Here are three former NBA talents who will impress during the Olympics.
1. Guerschon Yabusele – Francia
Guerschon Yabusele was last seen in the NBA in 2019, where he played for the Boston Celtics. Since leaving the United States, he has built a career in Spain, playing for European powerhouse Real Madrid. Yabusele was one of the most impactful players in the entire tournament, helping France reach the final.
In six games, Yabusele averaged 14 points, 3.3 rebounds and 1.1 assists while shooting 52% from the field and 29% from three-point range. His defense was also impressive, utilizing his size and lateral quickness to provide stability through the low help line. After his strong performance, it wouldn’t be a surprise if he landed a deal with an NBA team ahead of the new season.
2. Carlik Jones – South Sudan
South Sudan played with intensity, athleticism and pride during their brief tenure in Paris. Former NBA guard Carlik Jones, who last played for the Chicago Bulls in 2023, stood out during the group stage.
Jones averaged 18 points, five rebounds and 7.7 assists per game while shooting 46% from the field and 27% from deep over a three-game span. Unfortunately for Jones, that production may be based on too small a sample size for an NBA team to come knocking. However, he should expect some scouts in the stands over the next 12 months.
3. Bruno Caboclo – Brazil
Bruno Caboclo spent seven years in the NBA before leaving the league in 2021. He has played for the Toronto Raptors, Sacramento Kings, Memphis Grizzlies, and Houston Rockets, and was unable to find a home at any of those stops. However, his performances with Brazil may prompt some front offices to take another look at the talented forward.
Caboclo represented Brazil four times while in Paris, averaging 17.3 points and seven rebounds per outing. He shot 59% from the field and 55% from three-point range, proving he could fit into an NBA team as a potential three-and-D wing.
