The Indiana Pacers have been linked to New Orleans Pelicans big man Yves Missi as they are reportedly on the hunt for an upgrade at center. And according to Michael Grange of Sportsnet.ca, New Orleans has made the second-year pro available for trade.
"I have also heard from multiple sources that second-year centre Yves Missi is available from New Orleans as the Pelicans look to focus their rebuild around rookie big Derik Queen, although the Raptors' interest in the 21-year-old taken 21st in the 2024 draft is unclear," Grange wrote.
As Grange wrote, the Toronto Raptors are a team that is reportedly interested in Missi, who could be on the move in the midst of Derik Queen's fantastic rookie season. And if he truly is available for trade, they (and the Pacers) likely won't be the only team lining up for his services because of his potential and what he brings to the table.
The Pacers should absolutely trade for Yves Missi
Missi isn't a household name, but there is a lot to like about his game, and he would be an immediate upgrade at center for Indiana (no disrespect to Jay Huff, though).
Last season, the Baylor alum averaged 9.1 points, 8.2 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 1.3 steals in 26.8 minutes while shooting 54.7% from the field. He was also named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team.
Missi would be a fantastic addition for the Pacers. He is only 21 years old and has a ton of potential. Additionally, he is already a fantastic paint presence on both sides of the ball, particularly as a rim protector. He is also incredibly athletic and plays with a lot of energy, which would bode well for him in Indiana.
The Belgian native isn't perfect, though. He is not a floor-spacer, his overall defense still needs some work as he is far too aggressive, and he is way too inconsistent a scorer (especially as a finisher at the rim). Regardless, the pros outweigh the cons for Missi, and he should be on Indiana's radar ahead of the Feb. 5 trade deadline.
This season is a bit of a lost cause for the Pacers as they rank at the bottom of the NBA standings, but things should be different next season when they get healthy again. They should be able to re-enter the title picture and make some noise in a wide-open Eastern Conference.
But if Indiana is serious about getting back to the NBA Finals and bringing home their first NBA title, it might have to address its center situation. There is a lot to like about Huff, who has shown flashes during his first season with the team. But can the Pacers rely on him to step his game up when the lights are at their brightest? Probably not.
Instead, the Pacers may need to make a change at center and acquire someone who could raise their ceiling. It is way to soon to say whether he can definitively be that guy, but based on what he's shown so far, trading for Missi could pay dividends for the long run in Indiana.