Over the course of history, the Association’s rookies have left it well-documented, both the nerves, and the added boost of confidence that arrives through the announcement of one’s first-ever NBA start. Seemingly impacted by only the latter emotion, Yves Missi confirms as such, racing the floor for a three-on-two fastbreak with a legitimate opportunity to climb the figurative ladder against one of the league’s top-shelf shot blockers. Fed flawlessly with the rim just one explosive gather away, the No. 21 pick elevates, meeting Indiana Pacers star Myles Turner at the summit for a ferocious poster flush, followed by a passionate, celebratory flex thereafter. Seizing his opportunities to experiment with what does and doesn’t work on-court, the French big found that his fearlessness would prove key in tallying a victory over an Eastern Conference elite on November 1, 2024. Contributing some of everything, the New Orleans Pelicans center hustled into a four-point, 10-rebound, one-block showing, alongside a +8 plus-minus in 25 minutes. · Nov 1, 2024