Pelicans' rookie has shaky Summer League debut

New Orleans 2024 Summer League team debuted Friday, July 12 versus Minnesota. The game served as the first for rookie first rounder Yves Missi in the Pelicans jersey. The Baylor product struggled in his debut for the Pelicans, scoring only six points and collecting eight rebounds. New Orleans fell to Minnesota 81-74, but New Orleans' front office hasn't lost confidence in their first-round pick.

David Griffin, Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations, spoke highly of Missi during the team's first Summer League game, mentioning his athleticism, defensive versatility, and potential. However, Missi's first game wasn't as successful as planned. The rookie made just one of four shot attempts, but made all four of his free throw attempts. Missi wasn't the only player who struggled, as the entire shot a combined 31 percent and 25 percent from three.

Missi was on the wrong side of a highlight reel dunk by Minnesota rookie guard Terrence Shannon Jr., who's posterizing dunk on Missi early in the first quarter sent shockwaves throughout the league and social media. Featured in one of the best plays thus far in Summer League, hopefully Missi is on the other end of the next highlight play.

With four more guaranteed Summer League games, Missi will look to find his rhythm in new environment. The Pelicans not only have high hopes for their rookie center, but expect him to contribute with significant playing time as an instant impact player alongside their core of Dejounte Murray, posssibly Brandon Ingram, and Zion Williamson.

Missi's next chance to play is Sunday, where he'll look to improve from his lackluster first game. New Orleans will take on the Magic at 6:30 p.m. on NBATV. Following this game, New Orleans next three games will occur Tuesday, July 16 versus the Spurs at 9:30 p.m. on NBATV, before playing Memphis Thursday, July 18 at 5:00 p.m. on NBATV. The Pelicans' fifth game is currently to be determined.