New Orleans Pelicans rookie Yves Missi has been a lone bright spot for a struggling and injured team this season. The former Baylor center wasn’t expected to make such a quick impact, but the 6-foot-10 center has posted three double-doubles in his last five games, helping to solidify a center position about which many doubts arose at the beginning of the season.

The Pelicans lost Jonas Valancuinas, Cody Zeller and Larry Nance Jr. this offseason, but drafted the unproven Missi and signed undersized center Daniel Theis. Many thought forward Zion Williamson would play a lot of center in small-ball lineups, but Williamson has only played in six games this season due to injury.

Missi was forced into action earlier than expected, but the Cameroonian center delivered, much to the delight of his head coach. “He’s getting better and better,” head coach Willie Green said recently. “(He is) a real bright spot on our team. His ability to protect the basket defensively, his ability to screen quickly and get out of screens, go up and finish. I’m really proud of him and how he handled it. “We’ve kind of put him in the starting lineup over the last few weeks. He’s doing a great job.

Missi made Pelicans history on Monday night when he became just the second New Orleans rookie, joining former Pelicans forward Anthony Davis, to shoot 20/10 at 75%. His teammates agree that his ability to learn things quickly contributed to his rapid development.

“He’s great. He absorbs information well; he watches film and puts in the work,” veteran guard CJ McCollum said of the rookie center. “You obviously see development on defense and then his ability to rebound and finish around the basket. He’s been the bright spot in what’s happened so far in our season.”

With the Pelicans off to a 4-18 start and a lot of uncertainty surrounding star forward Brandon Ingram, New Orleans is pleased with the rapid development in Missi’s game. He is proving to be a key element for the future and success of the team. The Pelicans host the Phoenix Suns on Thursday night at the Smoothie King Center.

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