Pelicans Make Injury Announcement Before NBA All-Star Game

The New Orleans Pelicans are dealing with another long-term injury to a key player

Feb 12, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans center Yves Missi (21) shoots a jump shot against Sacramento Kings forward Domantas Sabonis (11) during the first half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images | Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

The New Orleans Pelicans announced that rookie center Yves Missi has been diagnosed with a right knee hyperextension.

Missi injured his knee during the Pelicans overtime victory over the Sacramento Kings on Thursday night. New Orleans revealed the rookie suffered no structural damage and will be re-evaluated in a week.

The former Baylor standout is having a breakout rookie season for New Orleans. In December, he won Rookie of the Month and is among the top rookie leaders in double-doubles, blocks, and rebounds. Missi was supposed to compete in this year's Rising Stars game at the 2025 NBA All-Star Weekend but will miss because of his knee injury.

Yves Missi has been diagnosed with a right knee hyperextension. The injury occurred during last night’s game against the Kings. An MRI taken last night showed no structural damage.

Missi will not compete in tonight’s Rising Stars game at 2025 NBA All-Star Weekend in San… pic.twitter.com/5j5JSaXAV5

— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) February 14, 2025

Missi's injury put New Orleans at an extreme disadvantage in the interior. The Pelicans already implemented a smaller lineup after trading away most of their size this past offseason.

During the summer, New Orleans parted ways with Jonas Valanciunas, Cody Zeller, and Larry Nance, Jr. through various trades. The team signed veteran center Daniel Theis to a one-year deal and drafted Missi with the No. 21 pick in the first round.

Theis has since been traded away, and now, with Missi's absence, the Pelicans have few options at center. New Orleans is near the bottom of the league in rebounding, with Missi leading the team in rebounds, with eight rebounds per game. The Pelicans head into the all-break with the worst record in the Western Conference at 13-42.

YVES MISSI ON YOUR HEAD 🐶 pic.twitter.com/ENT3qfvDQK

— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) January 25, 2025

New Orleans is heading for a franchise reboot after trading away Brandon Ingram this season. The Pelicans are prioritizing surrounding star forward Zion Williamson with the right personnel to make the team successful. Missi's early adaption in the league shows that he is a valuable piece moving forward with the team.

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