Pelicans head coach Jamahl Mosley sets high bar for former first-round pick heading into 2026-27 season

New Orleans Pelicans head coach Jamahl Mosley has challenged third-year center Yves Missi to contend for Defensive Player of the Year ahead of the 2026-27 season. Speaking with the Gulf Coast Sports and Entertainment Network, Mosley praised Missi's immense defensive talent and envisioned the 2024 first-round pick anchoring the team's defense, later calling his performance in practice special.

Missi is looking to bounce back after seeing his playing time decline to 19.7 minutes per game in 2025-26 under Willie Green and interim coach James Borrego. Despite limited minutes, Missi ranked second in the NBA behind Victor Wembanyama in post-All-Star break blocks per 36 minutes, showing defensive potential for a Pelicans squad that allowed 120 points per game last season.