Born in 2004, Rim-Bending Power! More Explosive Than Zion? Pelicans Shaking Up the Western Conference Title Race

A thrilling moment from the New Orleans Pelicans' training session is making waves across the NBA. The team's promising rookie, Yves Missi, delivered a powerful dunk that bent the rim during a fast break drill, instantly drawing comparisons to some of the league's most explosive players, including the Pelicans’ own Zion Williamson. This jaw-dropping display of athleticism has basketball fans and analysts buzzing, as Missi’s raw talent adds another dimension to a Pelicans squad that is already being touted as a potential game-changer in the Western Conference title race.

Yves Missi: The Next Big Thing?

Yves Missi, born in 2004, stands at an imposing 6’11” with a 7’2” wingspan and weighs in at 229 pounds (104 kg). The Pelicans selected him with the 21st overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, recognizing the immense potential of the young center. During his time in the NCAA, Missi showed flashes of brilliance, averaging 10.7 points and 5.6 rebounds in just 23 minutes per game, while shooting a remarkable 61.4% from the field.

His combination of size, athleticism, and defensive potential caught the eyes of NBA scouts, drawing comparisons to Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford. Like Gafford, Missi excels as an athletic big man who thrives on catching lobs and finishing plays around the rim. While his offensive game remains raw, particularly in terms of creating his own shot, his ability to contribute as a “rim runner” and a shot blocker makes him a valuable asset for teams with a playmaking core.

At 20 years old, Missi’s upside is significant, and his performance in practice is already turning heads. His dunk during a recent scrimmage, where he threw down a thunderous two-handed slam off a fast break, was so powerful that it bent the rim out of place. Even Zion Williamson, no stranger to highlight-reel dunks himself, was left wide-eyed by Missi’s display of force. For those familiar with Williamson’s feats of strength—including his memorable one-handed slam against the Indiana Pacers in 2021, which also bent the rim—this moment was a clear indication that Missi is no ordinary rookie.

Drawing Comparisons to Zion Williamson

Zion Williamson’s physical dominance has been well-documented since he entered the NBA. Known for his rare combination of size, speed, and power, Zion has consistently left crowds in awe with his ability to attack the rim with ferocity. At 6’6” and 285 pounds, Zion moves with the agility of a guard while possessing the strength of a center. His rookie season was filled with highlights of him overpowering defenders, and his explosiveness remains one of the most unique aspects of his game.

Yet, as Missi’s teammates witnessed, the young rookie may already be displaying Zion-like athleticism, and at 6’11”, he may even have the potential to surpass Zion in terms of rim protection and overall interior dominance. Missi’s ability to catch lobs, block shots, and throw down emphatic dunks without needing the ball in his hands could make him an ideal complement to a star like Zion, who operates best when the ball is in his control.

The comparison between Zion and Missi also brings to mind the narrative surrounding Williamson’s early days in the league. Much like Zion in 2019, Missi is entering the NBA with high expectations, albeit with a slightly different skill set. Zion's dominant scoring, especially in the paint, has been a major weapon for the Pelicans, and his development as a playmaker has added another layer to his game. In contrast, Missi’s path to success will likely center around his ability to serve as a defensive anchor and high-efficiency finisher at the rim.

A Perfect Fit Alongside the Pelicans’ Core

The Pelicans have quietly assembled a roster brimming with talent and potential. In addition to Zion, the team boasts All-Star forward Brandon Ingram, veteran guard CJ McCollum, and rising star Trey Murphy III. When healthy, this core group presents a formidable challenge to any team in the Western Conference.

Last season, the Pelicans struggled with injuries, particularly to Zion and Ingram, but when the team was at full strength, they showed flashes of being a legitimate playoff contender. Williamson, in particular, had a stellar season when he was on the court, averaging 22.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, and a career-high 5 assists per game. His ability to facilitate offense for his teammates, combined with his scoring prowess, makes him one of the most dynamic players in the league.

This is where Missi comes in. While he may not demand the ball, his skill set perfectly complements the Pelicans’ stars. With Zion and Ingram commanding so much attention from opposing defenses, Missi will have ample opportunities to “feast” as a lob threat and rim protector. His size and athleticism will provide a much-needed interior presence for the Pelicans, especially on the defensive end, where they struggled at times last season.

Moreover, Missi’s willingness to embrace his role as a defensive specialist and a “dunker” allows Zion to continue evolving as a playmaker. As Zion develops his court vision and passing abilities, having a player like Missi who can capitalize on those passes with high-percentage shots will only make the Pelicans more dangerous. It’s the type of synergy that every team dreams of — a star who can create and a big man who can finish.

The Pelicans' Potential in the Stacked Western Conference

The 2024-25 NBA season promises to be one of the most competitive in recent memory, especially in the Western Conference. Teams like the Denver Nuggets, Phoenix Suns, Los Angeles Lakers, and Golden State Warriors are all loaded with talent and championship aspirations. Amidst this intense competition, the Pelicans are emerging as a dark horse capable of disrupting the established order.

The key to the Pelicans' success, of course, will be health. Zion Williamson’s injury history has been a concern, as he has missed significant portions of each season since being drafted. Ingram, too, has dealt with his share of injuries, and CJ McCollum, now in his 30s, will need to stay fresh for the long haul. However, if the Pelicans can keep their core players healthy for the majority of the season, they have the firepower to contend with the top teams in the conference.

Zion, Ingram, McCollum, and Murphy form a dynamic quartet that can score in a variety of ways. Zion’s ability to dominate inside, combined with Ingram’s perimeter shooting and shot-creating ability, gives the Pelicans a potent one-two punch. McCollum adds veteran leadership and clutch shot-making, while Murphy’s development as a 3-and-D wing makes him a valuable piece in today’s NBA.

Adding Missi to this mix gives the Pelicans another dimension. He won’t be asked to shoulder a heavy offensive load, but his impact on defense and in transition will be critical. His rim-running ability will make him a favorite target for Zion and McCollum in pick-and-roll situations, and his presence in the paint will deter opposing teams from attacking the rim.

The Pelicans have all the tools to be a serious threat in the West. If they can maintain their health and integrate their young talent — including Missi — into the rotation effectively, there’s no reason why they can’t make a deep playoff run. The Western Conference is as stacked as ever, but the Pelicans have the potential to shake up the established hierarchy.

Changing the Western Conference Title Picture

Yves Missi’s arrival in New Orleans marks a new chapter for the Pelicans. With his athleticism and defensive prowess, combined with the star power of Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram, the Pelicans have the foundation to be a dominant force in the West for years to come.

As the 2024-25 season approaches, the Pelicans are no longer just a team with potential — they are a team poised to make a statement. And with young talents like Missi contributing alongside their established stars, they just might change the landscape of the Western Conference title race.