1 question for every New Orleans Pelicans rookie

Similar to the Wizards or Heat, the Pelicans were able to attract top talent at the center position as well as other talented rookies in the 2024 NBA Draft. While every rookie has strengths, they also have questions that they need to address in their games. This is a question every New Orleans Pelicans rookie will have to answer in the 2024-25 NBA season.

1 question for every New Orleans Pelicans rookie

Yves Missi

Question: Can Missi make an immediate contribution to the Pelicans?

The Pelicans selected Yves Missi 21st overall in the 2024 NBA Draft. The former Baylor center is an extremely athletic big man who excels at rim running and paint protection. Missi uses his innate athleticism to provide a powerful lob threat and dunker on offense. On the defensive, Missi has the necessary speed and jumping power to assert herself against various opponents. Additionally, Missi is a solid rebounder and screener. While Missi didn't have a standout performance in Summer League, there were moments where his potential shined through. He had some games where he shot efficiently and grabbed a lot of rebounds. In addition, Missi had many sporting highlights to offer at both ends of the pitch. Overall, Missi has incredible athleticism and potential that needs to be further refined.

Given the Pelicans' center situation, Missi has a clear path for minutes. However, Missi is still extremely raw as a player and will need time to adjust to the NBA. So the biggest question for Missi is whether he can be an immediate contributor for the Pelicans. For Missi to make an immediate impact, he needs to prove he looks like he belongs on an NBA court. Missi needs to give the impression that playing against NBA-level talent isn't too much for him and that he feels comfortable on the court. Additionally, his defense must quickly catch on against real NBA players. If he can do that, Missi will be a real contributor to a Pelicans team in desperate need of centers. It won't be easy for Missi, but the reward for success will be great for both Missi and the Pelicans.

Antonio Reeves

Question: Can Reeves prove he won't be a defensive player?

The Pelicans acquired the draft rights to Antonio Reeves, the 47th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, through a trade with the Magic. As a player, Reeves is a talented offensive guard who can score at all three levels. He is a skilled scorer around the basket, has a solid mid-range game and can block shots from deep. Despite a disappointing performance in the Summer League, Reeves demonstrated his goalscoring abilities at times. In one game in particular, Reeves scored 18 points while hitting four three-pointers. Reeves knows how to shoot the ball flat out, and this will be his way to make an impact in the league.

While Reeves is talented on offense, his defensive skills are lacking in comparison. He doesn't steal or block often and can have a difficult time defending against faster or stronger guards along the perimeter. Additionally, Reeves may be sleeping while defending against the ball. Because of this, the biggest question for Reeves is whether he can prove he isn't a defensive liability. Despite his defensive deficiencies, Reeves plays defense with effort and energy. If Reeves can use that energy to continue to improve as a defender, then it's not out of the question for Reeves to at least be neutral defensively. This makes him much more playable and can be used in different lineups. In his rookie season, it's up to Reeves to prove he won't be a defensive player.

Karlo Matkovic

Question: Can Matkovic make an immediate contribution to the Pelicans?

The Pelicans selected Karlo Matkovic 52nd overall in the 2022 NBA Draft. Although he was drafted, Matkovic remained overseas until playing for the Pelicans' G League team, the Birmingham Squadron, in 2024. During Summer League, Matkovic signed a multi-year contract with the Pelicans. As a player, Matkovic is an athletic big man who performs well both in the low post and as a roller. He is also a good passer and has some advantages as a shooter. Matkovic is also a solid defender and a very good rebounder on both ends of the court. In the Summer League, Matkovic stood out for his performance against the Spurs, where he scored an efficient 25 points.

As was clear with Missi, the Pelicans desperately need center play. So the same question asked of Missi will also apply to Matkovic, namely whether he can be an immediate contributor for the Pelicans. He has the skills to be successful with the Pelicans as a backup center. If he can succeed and contribute immediately, he will have a clear role and will have to fill a lot of minutes. Additionally, it will make him more valuable as a player, which could lead to future earnings. Time will tell if Matkovic will be successful, but it will pay off if he succeeds.