Baylor freshman Yves Missi was an extremely reliable player for the New Orleans Pelicans on an injury-ravaged team, averaging 9.3 points and 8.6 rebounds per game this season. He’s been one of the only bright spots in 2024, a consistent post presence that can impact the game on both ends of the court, both as a rim protector and as a play-closer on offense.

Even though the Pelicans are in last place in the Western Conference at just 5-23, Missi has been more than solid. In addition to his skills on the boards, he also added 1.2 assists and 1.9 stocks per game, which resulted in him starting 21 of his 27 games played. The 7-footer played 26 minutes per night in his first season and was very efficient from the field at 55%, which is even more impressive considering how many losses the team has suffered at the primary initiator position.

Because he is a dangerous player and inside scorer on offense, he has managed to be highly productive without the help that other successful rookie greats have received in the past, such as: B. Dereck Lively II last season with Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. He has also recorded four straight games with 11 or more rebounds and leads the Pelicans in that category this season. He does an excellent job on the offensive end, averaging almost four times on that end of the field per game.

Although the Pelicans are far from a competitive team and will miss the playoffs this year unless a major turnaround occurs, Missi is a player that fans can rally around as a future member of a talented but extremely unhappy team. If New Orleans is fully healthy, they will be able to compete, and it appears they have found their answer at the center spot going forward.

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