Ex-Celtics First-Round Pick Reflects On ‘Special’ Return To Boston
The Celtics fell short on Christmas Day and saw a former first-round pick shine with another team.
Boston’s slump continued when it lost to the Philadelphia 76ers at TD Garden on Wednesday. Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid led the way, but it was Philly’s role players for Philly who helped the visitors secure a win.
Caleb Martin continued to be a menace against the Celtics and Guerschon Yabusele shined on the big stage. It was the first time the 29-year-old played at TD Garden since he left the NBA to play overseas five years ago. It was a moment not lost on the 2016 first-round pick.
“Definitely special, it started just yesterday when we got to the city … look around (it was) familiar,” Yabusele told reporters, per CLNS. “It was a really special moment to be able to be in here and play for Christmas.”
Yabusele scored 12 points and grabbed four rebounds in 21 minutes and was a plus-18 against his former team. While it wasn’t the same performance he showed in the Paris Olympics, he was a valuable bench piece for the Sixers.
The Celtics will get a chance to avenge their Christmas Day loss when they play the 76ers at Wells Fargo Center on Feb. 2.