Yves Missi, the rookie center, was the 21st overall pick in the 2024 NBA draft and was named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team. The 21-year-old was a bright spot in a disastrous 2024-25 season for the New Orleans Pelicans, who won just 21 games. Missi played 73 games this year, averaging 9.1 points per game, 8.2 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks in 26.8 minutes of action.
After years of lacking stability at the center position, the Pelicans finally have a clear vision of who their long-term center will be. In years past, many failed experiments at the center, with players like Steven Adams, Jonas Valanciunas, and Larry Nance not panning out, but things look to be different this time, as Missi could be the future.
A step in the right direction
This year Missi made an impact everywhere, but let's start with his defense. The Belgian native did an incredible job this year defending shots at the rim. He ranked 3rd in blocks per game among rookies with an average of 1.3 blocks per game. But even if he wasn't blocking shots, he made an impact by contesting shots. Missi was tied for 1st among rookie centers in defensive field goal percentage with Utah's Kyle Flipkowski.
However, Missi didn't stand out only when compared to fellow rookies; he was also 4th in the NBA among big men in defending 15-footers, showing that he had a much larger impact as a defender than other rookies.
With how many injuries the Pelicans have dealt with over the last couple of years, finding a big who can stay on the court is huge for this team. Missi played 73 games this year and led the Pelicans in starts, with 67 starts. This is incredibly encouraging, especially with players like Zion Williamson coming off a 30-game season, Herb Jones, who only appeared in 20 games, and Dejounte Murray having a season-ending achilles tear.
From an offensive point of view, there is a ton to like. Missi is a great screener, and he uses his big frame well, making it hard for defenders to get over him. He ranked 7th in the NBA in screen assists, making it difficult for defenders to get over him and get a stop on the ball handler. He was also very good at using the screens he set to roll to the basket and to create lob opportunities for himself.
With Joe Dumars being hired as the new Pelicans' President of Basketball Operations, he will face many big decisions, like what to do with Zion Williamson, who to draft with the 7th overall pick, and how to approach Dejounte Murray and his injury. But one thing he won't need to worry about is the center position, as Missi proved he is the future after an incredible rookie season.