How Joe Dumars tests Yves Misi’s trade value

Half of the season has already passed, but they are still in last place The New Orleans Pelicans play hard with Zion Williamson and Trey Murphy III. Herb Jones, Jeremiah Fears and Derrick Quinn are also reportedly untouchable in either NBA trade deadline discussions. However, Joe Dumars hasn’t so quietly scouted the market for second-year center Yves Mission.

Missy (38 games, seven starts) has seen an uptick in usage lately. The 21-year-old averaged 13.5 minutes per game in December; he’s up to 21.7 minutes in January (11 games) and almost doubling production. Call it a showcase if you want, an interim head coach James Borrego was direct about earned opportunities. Missy made the biggest strides above her shoulders, proving that smart effort is a legitimate skill that can be trained.

“Things that I see, number one, higher energy level. Obviously (Missy) has always had a good motor, but I think he has a great motor right now,” Borrego emphasized. “So just playing harder, that’s number one. He’s playing more defensively, which means he’s chasing blocks, going for rebounds, having an impact at the rim. He’s just more of a presence at this point than we saw that first year.”

Missy credits simplistic thinking for that growth.

“Just be aggressive on defense and offense is the main thing,” Missy said. “Try to do the things I’ve been working on.”

That increased presence manifested itself in tangible ways. Missy’s blocked shots have become a regular occurrence, and his ability to read defensive situations has improved dramatically from his early season struggles.

“(Noticed) the most on defense for sure, just blocked shots and reading the game a little bit more,” Missy said. “Reading the hub defense. Knowing when to jump, knowing when to be the second jumper, and being able to read the defense. Same thing on offense. Knowing everyone’s offense tendencies on the screen, on the move.”

Borrego also highlighted a tangible improvement in Missy’s offensive fundamentals.

“(Missy’s) screening has gotten better, offensively,” Borrego noted. “He’s definitely gotten a better screen. His angles, his pressure on the rim, his hands are getting better. That’s an area of ​​growth and improvement for him.”

The decision-making process is still ongoing, but Borrego acknowledged moving in the right direction.

“When the ball is in (Misa’s) hands, playing on the rim or on the other side, that part is slowed down. We’re still working on that,” shrugged Borrego. “We’re not refined there, but overall it’s just a game on both ends of the floor.”

One area where Borrego doesn’t want to hesitate is on the edge, even if it means occasionally crossing the line into goalkeeper territory.

“We need Yves to play on the wing, whether it’s a goalkeeper or not,” laughed Borrego. “(Missy) has to have that presence for us.”

Getting advice from a respected veteran also contributed to the success.

“I think (DeAndre Jordan) has helped (Missy), especially defensively,” Borrego said. “Pushing blocks, being there down there, timing, and then probably the shots you’re making. You can be undisciplined and go all out, get nothing and give up rebounds. We’re trying to find that balance. Be aggressive, go after the ones you feel like you can influence, and then stay home on the others so you can rebound.”

Amid trade rumors and a role that has fluctuated from starter to backup, Missy maintains a straightforward, level-headed approach.

“It’s different, but it’s basketball, let’s be honest,” Missy shrugged. “You still have to play. Play hard. Just give it everything you have on the court and (try) to contribute to the win.”

The league learns about Misa, which in turn begins to delay the NBA’s frontcourt conundrums.

“The more you play against a guy, the more you know what they’re going to do and how they’re going to move on the court,” Missy said. “So you can kind of read and know what move they’re going to make. It’s just a scouting report and preparation for guys. … It helps just to play against them and know their tendencies. I know the starting points for most teams because I know the guys. It definitely helps.”

That growing confidence is exactly why the Pelicans are listening rather than rushing to act. Mission’s progress suggests he could be part of the next stable core in New Orleans, but the reality of the deadline requires clarity on asset value. Regardless of whether Yves Missy is ultimately moved or retained, the decision to assess the market reflects the ability to measure the franchise against development and the recognition that his rise has not gone unnoticed.