Yves Missi’s ROTY campaign is the only bright spot for Pelicans

The New Orleans Pelicans have a record of 1-20 in their last 21 games. They last won (narrowly) on December 5th, narrowly defeating the Phoenix Suns 126-124. To say this season has been a drag for the Bayou Boys would be a vast understatement of the circumstances. Nevertheless, through the trials and tribulations, there has been a predominantly positive development: Yves Missi.

Missi, the 21st pick of the 2024 NBA Draft, was considered a raw, if talented, prospect entering the first year of his professional career. But the early decimation of New Orleans’ frontcourt by injuries made him a consistent, meaningful starter in their rotation. Suddenly, he turns into a legitimate long-term building block for a seemingly directionless Pelicans organization.

After a solid finish to the calendar year, Missi climbed to the top of the NBA’s Kia Rookie Ladder. He ousted Stephon Castle from the San Antonio Spurs and secured pole position. Although the former’s play in New Orleans did not result in success, his efforts have shown that the Pelicans currently have their center of the future.

Since joining the starting five on Nov. 1, Missi has averaged 9.8 points, 9.0 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game in 28 contests. He did this while maintaining an effective field goal percentage of 57 percent, compared to the league average of 54.1. Nevertheless, apart from his efficient goal tally, the 20-year-old was represented in defense as promised.

Even as the Pelicans continue to drift away from contention, Missi is becoming more comfortable as a rim protector with each rep. His defensive rating falling from October (121.3) to December (116.7) highlights the Baylor product’s continued growth as a big man on paint patrol. Additionally, he ranks second among rookies in swats (46), trailing only Washington Wizards seven-footer Alexander Sarr.

If the Pelicans can shine a spotlight on any aspect of the 2024-25 season, it’s how ready Missi has proven to take on a big role. He has provided a sense of stability while the fate of key franchise players like Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram hang in the balance. His presence alongside standout winger Trey Murphy III appears to be the only certainty in New Orleans beyond this year.

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The optics suggest that the early results of the Julius Randle-Minnesota Timberwolves era haven’t been too bad. He’s posting nightly splits of 20-7-4 and his team is just two games out of the sixth and final guaranteed playoff spot in the Western Conference. However, the mood in the North Star State is not that great. So how will Tim Connelly and the front office respond?

Organizational centerpiece Anthony Edwards has openly and publicly criticized the Timberwolves this season for their lack of performance, lack of identity and more. Fans regularly call for Randle’s head whenever he makes a mistake. Minnesota is now one of four clubs above the dreaded second tier, although they appear to be moving away from being title contenders. They are essentially in no man’s land, an extremely unenviable position.

Could the Timberwolves, who have the highest payroll in the league, attempt to cut salary by terminating Randle’s contract? Will they try to re-sign him to ease the financial burden going forward? Or perhaps the Timberwolves are betting that the three-time All-Star declines his $30.93 million player option for 2025-26 and hits the open market?

If the Wolves choose the first of the three options, will they be willing to give Randle capital contributions to facilitate a trade? That’s no insult to the veteran big man, but there’s no list of potential suitors in line for his services, especially at this price. He’s too good to beat teams and isn’t ideal for those with championship aspirations, making him a difficult asset to evaluate.

Whatever the Timberwolves want to do with Randle, the clock is officially ticking. It’s becoming increasingly clear that they can’t build a proper roster around Edwards with the former New York Knick acting as Robin to his Batman.