Before the start of the college basketball season, New Orleans Pelicans GM Bryson Graham watched Yves Missi practice at Baylor University. Impressed by the 6-foot-11 center’s potential, Graham saw significant progress in Missi’s development over a short period. This led Graham to inform Pelicans Executive VP of Basketball Operations David Griffin, “This kid is going to be a first-round pick. We need to make sure we keep our eyes on him.”
Graham and the Pelicans proved that prediction right by choosing Missi with the 21st pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. During his first year at Baylor, the 20-year-old participated in 34 games, scoring an average of 10.7 points, grabbing 5.6 rebounds, and making 1.5 blocks per game. In addition to those figures, the management team in New Orleans identified a promising player who is developing later than usual, but has a lot of talent and room for growth. Some NBA draft sites predicted that Missi would be selected in the middle of the first round, according to Yahoo! Sports experts predicted his draft range to be between 14 and 21, but the Pelicans were fortunate that the Belgium-born center was still an option at pick 21.
Missi’s Development at Baylor
Missi’s journey to the NBA began in Belgium, where he developed his basketball skills before committing to Baylor University. At Baylor, Missi quickly adjusted to the college game, showcasing his raw talent and work ethic. He initially considered redshirting his freshman year but quickly demonstrated his readiness to contribute. This decision paid off as he became a key player for the Bears, significantly impacting both ends of the floor.
“He just kept getting better and better throughout the year,” Graham said of Missi’s development. “Hopefully (in the NBA) his learning curve is short. When he got to Baylor, everyone thought he was going to redshirt (and sit out games in 2023-24). He actually thought he was going to redshirt. That just goes to show that he picks up things really, really quickly. His intelligence, his raw natural ability – it’s exciting.”
Let the world meet @Yves_missi 🙌#SicEm | #CultureofJOY pic.twitter.com/a73PXJLYuX
— Baylor Men’s Basketball (@BaylorMBB) June 27, 2024
Griffin echoed Graham’s sentiments, emphasizing Missi’s rapid progression and adaptability. “The speed with which he picks things up is incredible,” Griffin said. “But when you look at an athlete of his size, the way he tested for us here (in pre-draft physical testing), the things he’s capable of are very rare. There are a lot of times you draft on (physical) tools. What’s exciting about Yves is we feel like the likelihood he reaches his ceiling is better … because of what he’s shown already, his propensity to get better quickly.”
Scouting Reports and Player Comparisons
Scouting reports highlighted Missi’s production and potential, noting his “upside as a rim-running big who has a budding pick-and-pop game.” Analysts praised his hands, ability to catch tough passes through traffic, and solid footwork in the paint. His defensive prowess was also noted, with Missi averaging 1.5 blocks per game, demonstrating his ability to protect the rim effectively.
Yahoo! Sports described Missi as a player with significant upside, capable of developing into a versatile big man in the NBA. His skill set drew comparisons to current NBA players known for their defensive abilities and versatility on offense. The consensus among scouts was that Missi had the potential to become a valuable asset for any NBA team willing to invest in his development.
Draft Night and Immediate Impact
On draft night, the Pelicans were thrilled to find Missi still available at the 21st pick. His selection marked a significant moment for both Missi and the Pelicans organization, signaling their commitment to developing young talent. Graham and Griffin expressed confidence in Missi’s ability to transition to the NBA, highlighting his physical tools and basketball IQ.
Asked if Missi might be able to fill a prominent role as a rookie in 2024-25, Griffin alluded to how much progress the young big has already accomplished, as well as the strides he’ll focus on making as a first-year pro.
“What’s going to take him some time is just the overall speed of the game,” Griffin said of Missi’s transition from the NCAA to the NBA. “If you look at where he was and how (relatively briefly) he’s been playing the game, he’s made an incredibly meteoric rise. (But) it would be silly to say he’s going to (immediately be ready for an NBA playoff setting). But he’s got the physical tools to play in those games.”
Missi’s road to the NBA showcases his determination, flexibility, and innate ability. Starting his professional career with the Pelicans, the young center is faced with high expectations. His quick progress at Baylor has paved the way for a potentially successful NBA career, as Pelicans supporters excitedly await his impact in games.