How Yves Missi’s Pelicans debut stacks up against past star rookie centers
By Andy Quach
The New Orleans Pelicans have started off the season strong at 2-1, including an impressive fourth-quarter comeback win against the Portland Trail Blazers. It's even more commendable when factoring in the injuries they've dealt with, including Trey Murphy III's continued absence due to a hamstring strain, Dejounte Murray's fractured hand that he suffered in the season opener, and an illness that kept Zion Williamson out for the first game and visibly affected him when he returned.
A big part of the Pelicans' encouraging start has been the unanticipated mature play from rookie Yves Missi. As a 20-year-old 21st-overall pick, Missi wasn't exactly expected to be ready from day one, but he's proven otherwise.
So far, he's legitimately challenged Daniel Theis for the starting center spot, and it appears like it'll only be a matter of time before it's awarded to him. He started his campaign from day one, putting up 12 points, seven rebounds, and three blocks in just under 23 minutes in the Pelicans' season opener against the Chicago Bulls. He's been building on that performance since then, but his debut was a loud announcement that Yves Missi is here and he's ready to play. It also might be indicative of a much brighter future for him than initially expected.
Yves Missi's astonishing debut bodes well for his NBA future
Since the 2020-21 NBA season, seven centers have been selected to one of the two All-Rookie teams. While it can be dangerous to project a prospect's ceiling after one game or even one season, most of the players named to those squads have carved out strong niches for themselves in the league already and Yves Missi's debut stacks up with the best of the centers' in recent years. The fives that have been named to All-Rookie teams since 2020-21 are Victor Wembanyama, Chet Holmgren, Dereck Lively II, Walker Kessler, Jalen Duren, Evan Mobley, and Isaiah Stewart.
Those seven big men range from solid role players to franchise cornerstones, but almost all of them are starting-caliber centers. Yves Missi wasn't expected to be a starter in year one like these guys, but, if his debut is indicative of anything, he might be more ready than initially anticipated.
Player | Minutes | Points | Rebounds | Assists | Blocks | Steals | FGs (%) | +/- |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Yves Missi | 22:46 | 12 | 7 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 5-8 (63%) | +4 |
Victor Wembanyama | 23:19 | 15 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 6-9 (67%) | 0 |
Chet Holmgren | 25:07 | 11 | 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 4-7 (57%) | +14 |
Dereck Lively II | 30:40 | 16 | 10 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 7-8 (88%) | +20 |
Walker Kessler | 23:40 | 12 | 10 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 5-5 (100%) | +12 |
Jalen Duren | 21:43 | 14 | 10 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 7-13 (54%) | +7 |
Evan Mobley | 38:18 | 17 | 9 | 6 | 1 | 1 | 7-13 (54%) | -18 |
Isaiah Stewart | 14:27 | 2 | 8 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1-4 (25%) | -4 |
Looking at these numbers, it's clear that Yves Missi's debut is up to par with some of the best young big men's in the league. He's not a one-hit wonder either, as he's averaging 8.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks through three games while shooting 53 percent from the field.
Even though his sea legs were more established than expected, he's still clearly finding his footing in the NBA. He should only get better with time as he becomes more accustomed to the league's speed, schedule, and tendencies. It seems like he'll earn more minutes from Coach Green too which will only lead to better stats from the Baylor rookie. If he can continue on this current trajectory, he might just join those players as an All-Rookie team member.
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