One of the biggest topics of conversation prior to the Toronto Raptors trading for Kawhi Leonard was how the front office planned on addressing their clear need for a backup center.
With Jakob Poeltl now 30 years old, dealing with injuries, and having played fewer than 60 games in each of his last three seasons, the need for a quality backup behind him is real. The thought process from many of us was that putting a young, high-energy big behind him could be a great change of pace, and a player who fits that mold is New Orleans’ Yves Missi.
Going into last season's trade deadline, Missi was one of the few players on the Pelicans roster who were consistently in trade rumors, and that carried into the early stages of the offseason. But on Thursday, NBA insider Chris Haynes reported that the New Orleans front office has shut down several offers from the Knicks for their sophomore big man. He also mentioned that they view him as a staple piece of their core as they move forward.
This approach makes sense for the Pelicans but is a tough blow for the Raptors, as Missi is the type of energy big they could use on a cheap rookie-scale contract.
Missi would be the quintessential backup big for the Raptors
This past season with the Pelicans, Missi averaged 5.7 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks in 19.7 minutes per game. Compared to his rookie season, where he made the league's All-Rookie Second Team, his numbers took a dip, but that wasn’t his fault. The Pelicans were in a weird place last season, and when Missi started the year injured, it was hard for him to really find a place in the rotation.Â
But by the end of the season, it was clear that while his stats didn’t improve, his impact did. Missi’s timing as a shot blocker and rebounder improved significantly, and he became more controlled and comfortable offensively as a play finisher.
Among players who played 20 or more games for New Orleans last season, he finished second in net rating behind only Herb Jones. That’s the type of impact he is capable of having.
Having a young shot blocker that crashes the glass and plays with a high motor, sub in and out for Poeltl, would make the Raptors infinitely better and take some pressure off the 30-year-old starter. Last season, Toronto’s lack of activity, particularly when Poeltl was off the court, won’t fly this year with Leonard's return and this group carrying championship aspirations. Missi could have solved that problem, as he is an incredibly relentless rebounder on both the offensive and defensive glass.
Missi also could’ve given Toronto a cleaner path to ending the Poeltl era, as after another year or so of development, he could be ready to be a starter. Especially for a team like the Raptors that doesn’t ask for much from the five outside of setting screens, finishing plays, protecting the basket, and rebounding.
Unfortunately, it doesn’t look like Missi will be ending up north of the border any time soon, and with a hole still at the backup five spot, the Raptors will likely be turning to free agency.
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