Yves Missi

As their already-gifted No. 21 pick’s game continues rounding into its complete form, the New Orleans Pelicans can be comforted knowing that, even from Day One, Yves Missi’s presence was always felt, largely through one word: energy. Reasonably described as an endlessly-moving ball of fire on both ends of the floor, Missi used his 38½-inch vertical to elevate skyward for anything attainable — rebounds, blocks, contested shots, alley-oops, you name it — during his NBA debut. Seemingly as healthy as they would be over the next few months, New Orleans reaped the benefits of said ambition, pulling away to conquer the Chicago Bulls on October 23, 2024. For Missi, it represented the opportunity to plant initial seeds for a 2024-25 that allowed him to be No. 1 in double-doubles and rebounds, No. 6 in points, and No. 2 in blocks at the regular season’s midway point. During the season-opening clash, Missi’s impact encouraged 12 points (on five-of-eight shooting), seven rebounds, one assist, one steal, and three blocked shots.

Three-Star Rookie