Yves Missi has been clear about the biggest influence on his development as a basketball player: Joel Embiid.
Speaking to Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson, the New Orleans Pelicans rookie center said, “Joel Embiid,” when asked who shaped his game growing up.
The 76ers superstar’s mix of power, footwork and two-way dominance resonated with Missi, who has modeled his style on that foundation since his early days.
Born in Cameroon like Embiid, Missi’s basketball journey took him from Africa to Sunrise Christian Academy in Kansas and then to Baylor University before being drafted in 2024.
The Pelicans selected him with the No. 21 pick in last year’s draft, and the 20-year-old has since earned a consistent role in their rotation.
Missi has started 65 of the 71 games he’s appeared in this season, averaging 9.0 points and 8.2 rebounds across 26.9 minutes per game.
But despite the individual growth, New Orleans has struggled, sitting 14th in the Western Conference with a 21-56 record and already eliminated from playoff contention.
While Missi acknowledged the jump from college to the NBA, he emphasized the challenge of the grueling 82-game schedule over the level of competition.
“Obviously, the amount of games that you have to get used to. It’s crazy playing 82 games,” Missi told Robinson. “In college, you play about 35.”
He’s focused on adjusting by taking better care of his body, understanding that recovery and durability are essential over a full professional season.
Missi also noted the steep rise in talent across NBA rosters compared to college basketball.
“In the NBA, the talent is also very different,” he said. “Everyone can play, everyone can score, everyone can defend.”
His increased role with the Pelicans in recent months has been driven in part by injuries elsewhere on the roster, giving Missi more time to find his rhythm.
“I would say just confidence and playing hard, obviously,” Missi said. “I know my role and I know where to be and how to help the guys on the court and on defense as well.”
Missi’s impact has been particularly felt on defense, where his timing and presence have helped anchor a young Pelicans squad through a challenging season.
But he hasn’t limited his influences to just centers like Embiid.
Missi grew up watching Steph Curry and LeBron James in the NBA Finals, drawn to their contrasting approaches and relentless competitiveness.
“Steph Curry, I watched a lot of Steph Curry against LeBron James when I was younger,” he said. “Those two made me want to play basketball.”
He studied Curry’s off-ball movement and range while also admiring James’ size, playmaking and leadership.
Watching those Finals battles, Missi developed the internal drive to reach the NBA stage himself, knowing it would require full commitment.
Now, with a year of experience under his belt, he’s focused on consistency and growth—key factors as he works to carve out a long-term role in New Orleans.
The Pelicans will close the regular season without postseason hopes, but Missi’s development has emerged as one of the team’s few bright spots.
As the franchise looks to reset in the offseason, the rookie’s trajectory offers a potential building block heading into 2025.
