The year-round scouting and media contingent that follows the league can start looking forward to Las Vegas vacations now that the 2024 NBA Draft is in the books. Some downtime pleasures can be enjoyed before getting back on the grind of scoping out the 2025 class. The incoming rookies and second-year players contractually obligated to play NBA Summer League games have just a few weeks to get up to speed with their new teams. For New Orleans Pelicans newcomers Yves Missi and Antonio Reeves, the two weeks in Sin City is all business.
New Orleans believes in Missi's potential more than the stat sheets. The Pelicans don't have to worry about the Baylor alum's shy nature in big moments. Las Vegas is made for silly mistakes, odd gambles, wild risks, learning hard lessons, developing discipline, and…sorry What was the question? Oh, that's right, basketball. Vegas in July is the Mecca for Hoops, and, apologizes to the G-Leauge hopefuls, sloppy basketball.
The Pelicans agreed to 2030 and 2031 second-round pick swap options to acquire Antoine Reeves. Missi and Reeves will join Jordan Hawkins on the Summer League roster. Those three will have to lead by example but will have simplified tactics to deploy.
The Pelicans have brought in Dyson Daniels and Jordan Hawkins in the two previous drafts but neither have had an I'm Here moment in the NBA. Daniels is great at defense but has stagnated on offense. Hawkins was a sharpshooter early on as a rookie but could not get on the court due to turnstile defense once the scouting report was out.
Pelicans need a proper rookie development plan
Reeves and Missi's on-court directives now are about how the Pelicans plan to maximize their young talent during NBA Summer League action. Antonio Reeves (UK) spent the past few seasons in backcourts with Cason Wallace, Reed Sheppard, and Rob Dillingham. Reeves will start next to Jordan Hawkins in Vegas. Their job is to feed Missi, whose job is to free them up to make plays in the pick-and-roll.
Missi’s athleticism and shot-blocking ability make him an intriguing prospect. While his offensive game isn’t flashy, he complements Zion Williamson’s style. Expect the Pelicans to emphasize Missi's defensive impact during the Summer League. Funnel guards to him in the paint. Tell Reeves and Hawkins to guide their assignments into Missi's roadblocks.
Avoiding fouls would be the next step for the former Baylor big man. Missi, a Big 12 All-Defense selection, should have qualified help in the frontcourt. Liam Robbins was on the Summer League team and Birmingham Squadron. The 2023 SEC Defensive Player of the Year suffered a season-ending injury but could be ready for another round in the desert.
Hawkins needs to show improved defense and offensive initiation. The UConn alum and NCAA champion is known for his shooting. His playmaking and defensive effort will be closely monitored. Reeves will need to learn how to navigate through crowds as an undersized wing with a loose handle.
Reeves and Hawkins will run pick-and-roll sets with Missi. His ability to finish at the rim or kick out to shooters will be crucial. Reeves showing any defensive mettle would allow the front office flexibility in trade negotiations. The Kentucky product brings the same sharpshooter skill set at a much lower price, possibly making Hawkins expendable.
Missi and Reeves have an opportunity to make a good first impression. Hawkins might be going for a final audition before the trade season ramps up. So experiment. Learn what can and cannot work at a whim. Just remember to listen to the coaches and carry away the positives. Leave the negatives near the elevator when checking out.
As the saying goes, “What happens in Vegas will very likely be remembered going into training camp.”
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