For Yves Missi, the road to the NBA was one shaped by passion, evolution and determination. A player with an elite blend of skill and athleticism, his rise has been about more than just basketball—it’s been about learning, adapting and embracing every challenge that comes his way. As a young center in the league, Missi is starting to carve out his own identity, drawing inspiration from legends while forging his own path to success.
Growing Up: Inspired by the Best
When it comes to modeling his game after other players, Yves Missi has always kept his eyes on the top-tier centers in the league. Joel Embiid, the dominant force for the Philadelphia 76ers, has been one of Missi’s primary influences. “Joel Embiid,” Missi told me simply when asked about who shaped his game growing up. Embiid’s physicality, footwork and elite scoring ability on both ends of the floor have undoubtedly made an impact on Missi’s development, pushing him to incorporate similar traits into his own game.
But that influence didn’t just end with Embiid. Missi’s basketball journey spans continents, with his development taking him from Cameroon to Kansas and now to New Orleans, where he’s building on his foundation to become the player he’s destined to be with the Pelicans.
Evolving His Game: From College to the NBA
Transitioning from college basketball to the NBA is a massive leap for any player, and for Missi, it wasn’t just about the competition—it was the sheer amount of games that presented the biggest adjustment.
“Obviously, the amount of games that you have to get used to. It’s crazy playing 82 games,” Missi explained. “In college, you play about 35. So it’s almost triple the games, and just taking care of your body is the main thing.”
The physical demands of an 82-game season can be overwhelming, but Missi has adapted by prioritizing his body’s maintenance, recognizing that longevity in the NBA hinges on taking care of both the mind and body.
Beyond the grind of the schedule, Missi acknowledges the sheer talent level of the NBA, comparing it to what he faced in college. “The talent is also very different in the NBA as well,” he says. In the NBA, every player is a potential game-changer, and the speed and intensity of the game force players like Missi to rise to the occasion.
Gaining Confidence and Finding His Role
Now that Missi has gained more playing time, he’s found a better rhythm, especially with some teammates missing time due to injuries or rest. For him, this increased role has been a confidence booster.
“I would say just confidence and playing hard, obviously. I know my role and I know where to be and how to help the guys on the court and on defense as well,” he says.
“Just playing my role.”
At this stage of his career, it’s about fitting into the flow of the team, providing that defensive presence, and continuing to develop the offensive side of his game. With each opportunity, he gets more comfortable with his role, knowing that hard work, reliability and focus are what will drive him toward greater success.
A Moment with Pascal Siakam: A Shared Journey
As a young player making his way in the NBA, Missi has been fortunate to meet and be inspired by established players who’ve walked a similar path. One of those players is Pascal Siakam, the Indiana Pacers star from Cameroon who made a huge impact on the NBA.
“I first met Pascal in 2019 at a basketball camp in Cameroon,” Missi recalls. “I also saw him recently when we played against him.”
Siakam’s rise from being relatively unknown to becoming an NBA Champion is a testament to hard work, perseverance and adaptation to the league. As a fellow Cameroonian, Missi no doubt draws inspiration from Siakam’s success and the legacy he’s carving out. Their connection highlights the importance of mentorship and camaraderie in the international basketball community.
The Impact of Steph Curry and LeBron James
While Missi has certainly been inspired by the big men of the league, he also spent time watching some of the most iconic guards and forwards to ever play the game. Two of the biggest stars he watched growing up were Steph Curry and LeBron James—players whose competitive fire and unique skill sets fueled his passion for the game.
“Steph Curry, I watched a lot of Steph Curry against LeBron James when I was younger,” he says. “Those two made me want to play basketball and just seeing them in the Finals and that competitive nature.”
Curry’s shooting ability and LeBron’s all-around dominance showcased two different styles of play, but both are remarkable in their own right. For Missi, watching them battle it out in the Finals sparked that internal desire to compete at the highest level, knowing that it would take everything he had to get there.
Zion Williamson: A Unique Force of Nature
When asked about a player that reminds him of Zion Williamson, Missi wasn’t quick to make comparisons—he recognizes that Zion is one of a kind. “He just reminds me of himself,” Missi says, acknowledging the uniqueness of Williamson’s game.
“I haven’t seen any one player like him exactly,” Missi continues. “He’s super explosive for a person his size and then he’s hard to stop when he goes to the rim.”
Zion’s power, speed and explosiveness make him a force unlike any other in the league and Missi’s recognition of this only underscores his understanding of the game’s nuances. It’s clear that while Missi is still in the early stages of his own journey, he respects the raw talent and athleticism that makes certain players, like Zion, stand out in ways that are impossible to replicate.
The Road Ahead for Yves Missi
With each game, Yves Missi continues to build on the foundation of hard work, inspiration and adaptation that got him to the NBA. From his early influences like Joel Embiid to learning from veterans like Pascal Siakam and watching players like Steph Curry and LeBron James, Missi is on a journey that reflects both the challenges and the rewards of playing at the highest level.
As he grows in confidence, solidifies his role on the court and continues to develop his game, it’s clear that Missi is poised for great things in his NBA career. For now, he’s focused on staying true to himself, honing his skills, and embracing the grind. The future is bright for this young center, and we’re all watching as he rises to meet his potential.
