​The New Orleans Pelicans have high hopes for Yves Missi ahead of his third NBA season. The 22-year-old center starred in the ongoing 2027 FIBA World Cup qualifiers this summer, leading Cameroon in points (18.0), rebounds (11.0), and blocks (2.7) per contest.In an interview with Chris Dodson of ClutchPoints, New Orleans Pelicans head of basketball operations Joe Dumars quipped that Missi has Hakeem Olajuwon-level potential, especially on the defensive side of the court.Sep 30, 2024; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans center Yves Missi (21) takes part in Pelicans Media Day. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images“When Missi first got back this summer from Europe, he came back to the building. Coach Mosley and I were in Coach Mosley’s office, sitting, talking,” Dumars said. “When Missi walked in, it was the first time we saw him, and we called him Olajuwon. You’re over there doing everything. So I think that’s really good. Usually, what happens is those guys come back with even more confidence because they played so well for their national teams.”“I love Yves and what he brings to the table. During our workouts playing fives, (Missi) was protecting the rim. It’s not easy trying to finish over him. And he moves his feet, so even when he gets switched on to a guard, we do not have to overhelp because he can go hold his own,” Zion Williamson added.Sep 30, 2024; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans center Yves Missi (21) takes part in Pelicans Media Day. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn ImagesNew Orleans Pelicans News: Joe Dumars reveals the team’s ultimate goal this yearJoe Dumars made it clear he wants the New Orleans Pelicans to qualify for the playoffs this season, even if it means going through the Western Conference’s play-in tournament.“I don’t think we ever talked about numbers like 50 wins. We are just trying to make it, man. Because you never know how the season is going to turn out and what it’s going to take to try to get to the playoffs. You never know what it’s going to take; you just want to be one of those teams,” Dumars stated.“So we have had this conversation before. Where you’re getting to live your dream, like this is what you asked for as a kid. You grew up like, ‘Man, if I could just make it to the NBA…’ You’re here now! So don’t come in with your head down; keep your head up. This is a word I use all the time in the building; you got to have a good spirit. You got to have a good spirit to do this. I believe in that. I say that when there are no cameras around,” he continued.More NBA News:New Orleans Pelicans’ Zion Williamson Hit With Major Career Warning From Former NBA ChampionZion Williamson Makes Tough Admission About NBA Career As He Enters Year 7 Without Playoffs AppearancePelicans Star Zion Williamson Admits to Sexual Relationship With SA Accuser, Describes Real Score Between ThemDejounte Murray Sets Ambitious Goal For Self, Pelicans After a Succes