The development of young NBA centers often requires equal parts patience and projection. Luckily for James Borrego, Yves Messi has quietly emerged as one of the few bright spots for the New Orleans Pelicans despite working in a crowded frontcourt. The 21st overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft has spent this season adjusting to different roles and playing somewhat limited minutes, yet that hasn’t limited his growth on and off the court.
The ongoing development over the years has reached the point where the Pelicans now view the Belgian-born Cameroonian as a reliable option in the flow of offense rather than simply a defensive specialist. Missy’s game log this season shows a player growing into an NBA role just a few years after adopting the game. While his backup minutes may not yield headline-grabbing averages, his per-minute production and defensive metrics have seen steady improvement.
More importantly, Borrego’s confidence has grown rapidly.
Borrego confessed, “So, I think the game has slowed down for him. I trust him with the ball in his hands and he needs to do that for us.” “The effort he has, and I think the biggest payoff is effort, defense, rim protection. So, it’s been a phenomenal year for him.”
That’s high praise for a player who averaged just 19 minutes off the bench per game. But look at the modest counting stats (5.6 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.5 blocks and 1.3 assists) and a clear picture of the Baylor alum’s trajectory comes into focus.
Missy’s 54.3% field goal percentage ranks among the more efficient marks for any NBA big, and his 89 blocks in 59 games underscore a rim protection presence that has developed more quickly than the Pelicans expected. The foundation is there. The question has always been how quickly Missy can build on this. Borrego believes the answer is faster than most outsiders expect.
The interim head coach explained, “The game is definitely slowing down for (Missy). I think she has picked up the pace on the defensive end, timing, making plays at the rim and rebounding with two hands.” “These are things he has started to work on quickly this season.”
Missy entered the NBA with interesting physical equipment but a relatively late start to organized basketball. However, that background has not hindered their ability to make solid profits in fields that often require years to master. Borrego said the natural learning process for late-rising big men is often difficult, especially on the offensive end, but the 21-year-old has checked off several important boxes.
“Offensively, it’s probably all the big guys, especially when you play basketball late, finding gaps with the ball, timing, hands, decision making and showing up on screens. These are areas that people probably take for granted, but (Missy) has become a good screener,” Borrego explained. “He puts pressure on the rim now. What he’s doing now with the ball in his hands, I don’t think he was doing that last year, and it’s another step in his progression.”
Though still a quiet, reserved young veteran, Missy’s shot-blocking tendencies, improved offensive awareness and tireless motor have given the Pelicans some confidence that this current backup role is only a floor, not a ceiling. While minutes have fluctuated, the front office has made it clear through the trade deadline that New Orleans will not shortchange its future.
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