{
  "id": 13103241,
  "title": "New Orleans Pelicans’ GM Sees Hakeem Olajuwon Potential in Their 3rd-Year Center",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/09/new-orleans-pelicans-gm-sees-hakeem-olajuwon-potential-in-their-3rd",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-09T11:31:54.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/orleans-pelicans-gm-sees-hakeem-113154831.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "New Orleans Pelicans General Manager Joe Dumars expressed optimism about the potential of their third-year center, Yves Missi, ahead of the 2027 NBA season. Dumars, speaking to Chris Dodson of ClutchPoints, likened Missi's defensive abilities to those of Hall of Famer Hakeem Olajuwon. Missi, a 22-year-old center from Cameroon, showcased his skills during the ongoing 2027 FIBA World Cup qualifiers, leading his team in points (18.0), rebounds (11.0), and blocks (2.7) per contest. Upon his return from Europe, coach Mosley and Dumars were immediately impressed by Missi's work ethic and defensive prowess. Zion Williamson, a teammate, echoed Dumars' sentiments, praising Missi's ability to protect the rim and handle guards effectively. Dumars emphasized the team's ultimate goal this season: qualifying for the playoffs, regardless of the number of wins.",
  "summary": "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 [...]",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}