Yves Missi's debut a silver lining for Pelicans in dispiriting opening win

Missi played 23 minutes and had 12 points on 5-of-8 shooting, seven rebounds, three blocks, one assist and one steal in the Pels win.

His activity on the defensive end is a promising sign of his ability to play meaningful minutes this season.

Missi had an excellent block as the help-defender on a drive from Bulls guard Josh Giddey and was also aggressive on the offensive glass, pulling down a rebound late in the second quarter and putting it in for two to cut a four-point Bulls lead in half.

He received a rousing ovation from the home fans when being pulled late in the game, something he admitted he wasn't expecting afterward.

"I was surprised... I thought it was for someone else. I didn't know it was for me, but it's great," Missi told reporters.

Head coach Willie Green praised his effort and coachability.

"He has gotten better and better since we drafted him," Green said. "He made an adjustment in the second half. We said no more layups; every time you see a ball, go block it... His ability to pick up details, pick up execution, it shows when he gets out on the floor," he added.

As dispiriting as Murray's injury is, the Pelicans won 49 games last season with CJ McCollum as the primary point guard.

Forwards Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson, who missed Wednesday's game due to illness, can create offense with the ball in their hands, so New Orleans should be able to withstand Murray's absence, which might extend into 2025.

Missi's development could be just as significant. The Pelicans entered the season with a question mark at center, but if the rookie duplicates his high-energy performance off the bench, they should feel much more comfortable about their front-court rotation.

 Murray's injury is tough to swallow, but Missi's emergence gives New Orleans reason to hope.