New Orleans Pelicans make a bold move by selecting Cameroon's Yves Missi, a raw prospect, 21st in the 2024 NBA Draft. This article analyses Missi's potential impact on the team, examining his unique skill set and how the Pelicans' strategic choice could shape their future.
Last Updated on
June 27, 2024
Ayo Biyibi
Staff Writer
In a surprising turn of events, the New Orleans Pelicans made a bold move by selecting the 21-year-old Cameroonian sensation Yves Missi with the 21st pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. The 6-foot-11 center, who had an impressive freshman campaign at Baylor University, averaged 10.7 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game during his lone season in the Big 12 Conference, helping the Bears to a 24–11 (11–7 Big 12) record before being knocked out in the second round of the NCAA tournament.
With this pick, Yves Missi has now become the sixth Cameroonian player to be drafted into the NBA and the third-highest Cameroonian selection in the past decade, joining the ranks of All-Star Pascal Siakam and former MVP Joel Embiid:
Although Missi steadily rose up NBA mock drafts and big boards, and in front of fellow Cameroonian draft candidate center Ulrich Chomche, during his 2023-24 season, many experts expected the Pelicans to choose a more "experienced" candidate over a raw, late-blooming prospect. The New Orleans Pelicans finished the season with a 49-33 record but were swept 4-0 in the first round of the 2024 playoffs by the Oklahoma City Thunder. With superstar Zion Williamson playing a career-high 70 regular-season games, the Pelicans are viewed as just a few veteran pieces away from making a substantial playoff run. This expectation is why many believed they would select a prospect with at least two years of NCAA experience.
However, Yves Missi, who made the Big 12 All-Defense and All-Freshman teams, is what many will consider to be a "project" with a serious upside who's development should fit within the Pels' (and Zion Williamson's) relatively young timeline. Even as a project, the young Cameroonian should be able to bring a unique blend of athleticism, length, and agility to the Pels' adjusted roster. Standing tall but not bulky, he relies on his athleticism and 7'2" wingspan to dominate on both ends of the floor.
Offensively, Missi excels in finishing strong through contact, demonstrating fearlessness in attacking the rim. His preference for interior shot-making will undoubtedly showcase his talent as a rim-runner and screen-and-roll specialist, making quick decisions with the ball in his hands. While he lacks a jumper his ability to score efficiently around the basket is a notable asset.
On the defensive end, Missi will provide a relentless work ethic and should utilise his impressive wingspan to become a dominant shot-blocker and rebounder. His agility enables seamless switches on perimeter players and effectiveness in drop coverage, adding versatility to defensive strategies. Yet, his aggressive shot-blocking approach may occasionally result in getting into foul trouble and which could consistently affect his ability to secure rebounds.
Despite his one-dimensional scoring and free-throw shooting challenges, Missi's mobility, solid footwork, and exceptional hands make him a promising prospect. His potential to develop under the Pelicans'/NBA coaching, particularly in defensive schemes, highlights his readiness for the professional level.
In summary, Yves Missi's blend of size, athleticism, and defensive tenacity presents a compelling case for his impact in the NBA, with room to refine his game and grow into a versatile player on both ends of the court.
Quietly, the putting together a young crop of talented international big men starting with talented forward/center Karlo Matkovic whom they drafted (and later stashed) in 2022, in the second round with the 52nd overall pick, and finally signed towards the end of the 2023-24 season from Slovenian giants Cedevita Olimpija. With Jonas Valančiūnas' impending free agency uncertain, Missi's arrival addresses the team's need for a rim-protecting presence and rebounding strength in the paint.
Unfortunately, the Pelicans' coaching staff have failed developing young big men, evidenced by the mixed results with previous prospects like Jaxson Hayes. Like Hayes, Missi arrives with explosive athleticism and room for growth in his offensive game. However, the organisation seem to be high about Missi's potential, citing his instincts and determination to improve as promising signs for his development.
Looking ahead, the Pelicans recognise the competitive demands of the NBA's elite centers, including stars like Nikola Jokić and Anthony Davis. To compete at this level, acquiring a reliable center capable of handling significant minutes remains a priority.
In summary, Yves Missi's integration into the New Orleans Pelicans represents a strategic step towards solidifying their front court for the future. With a focus on defensive impact and developmental potential, Missi embodies the Pelicans' commitment to building a competitive roster around their core stars, including Zion Williamson. His journey from promising draft pick to pivotal player will be closely watched as the Pelicans navigate their path to contention in the NBA's Western Conference.
[Photography/Imagery Courtesy of ESPN and NBA.com]
