Pelicans Rookie Yves Missi Credits Joel Embiid for Basketball Growth

NEW ORLEANS, La. — Yves Missi, the 20-year-old rookie center for the New Orleans Pelicans, has credited Joel Embiid as a major influence on his basketball development. In a recent interview with Brandon ‘Scoop B’ Robinson, Missi highlighted Embiid’s impact on his game as he navigates a challenging first NBA season.

Despite the Pelicans’ struggles this year, having already been eliminated from playoff contention, Missi’s individual performance has emerged as a bright spot. ‘When I think about who shaped my game growing up, it’s got to be Embiid,’ Missi stated.

Missi’s path to the NBA mirrors Embiid’s journey, as both began their careers in Africa. After honing his skills at Sunrise Christian Academy in Kansas and excelling at Baylor University, Missi was selected by the Pelicans as the 21st pick in the 2024 NBA Draft.

Embracing the challenges of an 82-game season, Missi remarked, ‘It’s crazy playing 82 games. In college, you play about 35. In the NBA, the talent is also very different. Everyone can play, everyone can score, everyone can defend.’

In addition to Embiid, Missi also cited Steph Curry and LeBron James as key influences. ‘I watched a lot of Steph Curry against LeBron when I was younger. Those two made me want to play basketball,’ he said.

As of now, Missi has started 65 of the 71 games he has played, contributing an average of 9.0 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks over approximately 27 minutes per game. The Pelicans currently hold a record of 21-56, ranking 14th in the Western Conference.