Since the New Orleans Pelicans signed Kevon Looney to a two-year, $16 million contract, there has been a discussion on whether Looney or Yves Missi will be the Pelicans' starting center next season. And it looks like it only took one summer league game for Looney to lock up that spot.
Yves Missi didn't dominate like most of us expected him to in the Pelicans' summer league debut against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Missi was a significant presence defensively but struggled to finish plays, shooting 5-for-14 from the field. A considerable part of his struggles stemmed from the defensive efforts of Wolves rookie big man Joan Beringer, who had six blocks in the contest. However, that's no excuse for Missi, who was one of the most experienced guys on the court Thursday afternoon.
Missi's offensive struggles continued at the free-throw line, as he went an abysmal 3-for-9 from the line, leaving 6 points on the board in a game where the Pels only lost by 7. This poor performance helped solidify that Missi will be coming off the bench next season and Looney will be the starter.
At least in Missi's case, he still outperformed Derik Queen, who had a rough debut. Queen was sloppy, turning the ball over 7 times. He also wasn't great defensively and will need to work on his conditioning if he plans on getting playing time next season.
The starting center spot is now Looney's to lose
Kevon Looney is a three-time NBA champion and one of the league's most underrated players. He is an elite rebounder and screener who has been a consistent winning player throughout his entire career. Many felt Looney should have been the Pelicans' starter immediately after he signed with the team, but the conversation still lingered over whether he or Missi would be the starter.
After watching game one of the Pelicans' summer league, it's clear Missi has a ton more polishing to do before he can be this team's starting center. That's no knock on Missi, as he is still just 21 years old and is far less experienced than Looney.
The addition of Looney was a move made by Joe Dumars to have insurance in case Missi and Queen didn't appear ready enough to help the Pelicans compete next season.
And after one game, that insurance looks more like a necessity than a luxury. Looney’s veteran presence can offer the Pelicans a stabilizing force in the frontcourt, which they'll need to achieve their goal of competing in the Western Conference next season.