From the soccer fields of Cameroon to the NBA hardwood, Yves Missi of the New Orleans Pelicans has defied the odds to become a rising star in the NBA.
Once an overlooked prospect, Missi is having a strong rookie campaign and has emerged as one of the few bright spots in the Pels’ disappointing, injury-filled season.
Yves Missi Comes From Humble Beginnings
Missi was born on May 14, 2004, in Brussels, Belgium, but spent most of his childhood in Cameroon’s capital, Yaoundé.
Missi is one of several NBA players from Cameroon, including All-Stars Pascal Siakam and Joel Embiid. Basketball runs in his family, as his parents played for the Cameroon National Team, along with his brother who was the team captain at Harvard University.
But Missi didn’t play basketball growing up, as soccer was his sport of choice. He didn’t start playing basketball until he was 14. However, after a massive growth spurt where he grew from 6-foot-2 to a towering 6-foot-8, he realized that a basketball career was in his future.
Refining His Skills
Missi moved to the U.S. in 2021 and played high school ball at West Nottingham Academy in Maryland before transferring to Prolific Prep in California.
His skills were on display at Prolific Prep as he averaged 9.3 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks a game. Although he started his basketball journey later than most, his raw talent was undeniable. His length and defensive abilities led him to be the 42nd-ranked player and the sixth-ranked center in the country.
Draft Night Was A Dream Come True
Going into the draft, Missi was projected to be a mid-to-late first-round selection. Teams were intrigued by his ability to guard up on the perimeter as well as down low in the paint. His athleticism also made him stand out, as he was a serious lob threat that could dunk on anyone. While his rebounding numbers in college weren’t anything to write home about, his relentlessness on the boards was a clear sign of his potential.
Analysts compared Missi to another high-octane, rim-running prospect, Dereck Lively. Like Missi, Lively was a raw prospect coming out of college. But he managed to carve out a role in the league immediately due to his ability to defend at a high level and his strong pick-and-roll game.
On June 26, 2024, Missi’s hard work and determination paid off when he was drafted with the 21st overall selection by the New Orleans Pelicans.
Missi Already Exceeding Rookie Expectations
Missi came into the league with many questions, but he immediately showed the NBA that he was here to stay. In the Pelicans’ opening game against the Chicago Bulls, Missi dropped 12 points, seven rebounds, and three blocks.
While the Pelicans season has been a dumpster fire, Missi has been a bright spot. The lengthy rookie has found his footing quickly, averaging 8.8 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks a night. Missi also leads rookies in total rebounds per game and is second in blocks.
His relentless energy has been refreshing for a struggling Pelicans squad. He is no stranger to highlight plays. In his short time in the league, he has proven to be a serious lob threat who isn’t afraid to dunk on anyone, including 7-foot-4 monster Zach Edey.
What’s Next for Yves Missi?
Yves Missi’s impressive rookie campaign has put the league on notice. His relentless motor, along with his ability to protect the rim, has made him a valuable piece for the Pelicans’ future. He undoubtedly has a lot to work on the offensive end, but at only 20 years old, he has plenty of time to improve that part of his game.
Missi’s rapid improvement throughout the season and his strong work ethic suggest he can become one of the biggest steals in this year’s rookie class when it’s all said and done. His floor is very high already, but his ceiling is even higher. He may even be selected to an All-Rookie Team, and nobody expected that of him coming into the season.
Missi’s underdog story has made him easy to root for. Going from not playing basketball until he was 14 to the NBA in less than six years is a testament to his strong work ethic and determination.
The Pelicans season has been a disaster, but it appears they have found their center of the future.
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