The No. 21 pick out of Baylor, Missi has a chance to start right out of the gate as a rookie. Jonas Valanciunas left for Washington in free agency, opening up a huge hole in New Orleans' frontcourt. While Zion Williamson and Herbert Jones may play some small-ball five at times, the Pelicans will need one of their centers to step up if they hope to make a postseason run. Trey Jemison was claimed off waivers this offseason and provided a spark to the injury-riddled Grizzlies late last season. Daniel Theis is another new addition, but it's unclear how many minutes the veteran will be able to play on a nightly basis. Jeremiah Robinson-Earl returns for a second season in New Orleans but averaged only 8.6 minutes across 39 appearances last season. Karlo Matkovic, a draft-and-stash pick from the 2022 NBA Draft, is also in the picture after joining the Pelicans' G League affiliate late in the 2023-24 season and participating in the 2024 Vegas Summer League. That's the extent of Missi's competition for playing time. Obviously, New Orleans will be in the market for frontcourt options as the season moves along, but it appears like Missi has a great opportunity to earn a substantial role. Missi's rim-protecting ability was on display during Summer League, but he's a very raw offensive player.
