Joel Embiid Sends Message to Promising NBA Rookie

Philadelphia 76ers superstar Joel Embiid sent a message to Pelicans rookie Yves Missi

Jan 4, 2025; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) looks up during the second half against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images | Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Yves Missi may not have had the hype of other NBA rookies like Zach Edey or Alex Sarr, but the 21st pick of the 2024 NBA draft has become one of the most promising young rookies in the league.

He's even gotten the attention of 2023 NBA MVP Joel Embiid.

On Friday night, when the New Orleans Pelicans faced off against the Philadelphia 76ers, Embiid sent a message to his fellow Cameroonian.

“I can’t wait to kick his ass, but I’m happy for him,” Embiid said to Marc Spears of Andscape. “He has a chance to be really good. Right now, he’s doing what he’s supposed to do. But I would also hope that he keeps working on his game because I think there’s way more to come."

From Cameroon to the Association 🇨🇲@Yves_missi pic.twitter.com/gAasxkkocX
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) January 11, 2025

Missi has some solid competition when it comes to winning the NBA's Rookie of the Year award this season, especially in the form of Alex Sarr, Jaylen Wells, and Zach Edey. However, Embiid believes Missi has a very good chance of winning the award.

In a season full of turmoil for the Pelicans, rookie center Yves Missi has been a ray of hope. And fellow Cameroonian & #NBA star Joel Embiid believes Missi can be the NBA’s Rookie of the Year. More on Missi’s story from Cameroon to the NBA in @andscape. https://t.co/NXt3oii5eQ
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpears) January 11, 2025

“He also has a pretty good chance of also winning that award, Rookie the Year. I’m rooting for him," Embiid said.

Yves Missi fears nobody. pic.twitter.com/Q6JvnszDO5
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) January 11, 2025

Through 38 games this season, Yves Missi is averaging 9.2 points, 8.4 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 1.5 blocks on 55.4% shooting from the field. When it comes to steals of the 2024 NBA Draft, one could easily argue that he's it.

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