Blazers mock draft roundup: Rip City addresses shooting need at pick No. 14
By Reese Kunz
![Mar 24, 2024; Memphis, TN, USA; Baylor Bears guard Ja'Kobe Walter (4) reacts in the second half against the Clemson Tigers in the second round of the 2024 NCAA Tournament at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports Mar 24, 2024; Memphis, TN, USA; Baylor Bears guard Ja'Kobe Walter (4) reacts in the second half against the Clemson Tigers in the second round of the 2024 NCAA Tournament at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_4524,h_2544,x_0,y_0/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/34/01hym1b28rtpkx1n3fw7.jpg)
Yahoo Sports: Yves Missi, Center, Baylor
Yahoo Sports' Krysten Peek has the Blazers taking a different route at No. 14 with Yves Missi. The Baylor big man is the only non-shooter in this mock draft roundup. At 6-foot-11 and 229 pounds with a 7-foot-2 wingspan, Missi is a physically dominant yet defensively versatile big man. As a Freshman, Missi averaged 10.7 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game.
"Missi's combination of size, rim protection, and great hands could see him sneak into the lottery during the pre-draft process while working out individually for teams."
- Krysten Peek
Missi's style of play should translate well to the NBA as a center who knows his role and doesn't try to do too much. Offensively, Missi is a bit raw. But he is a tremendous lob threat, given his size, athleticism, and finishing ability. It's easy to picture Missi in a pick-and-roll situation with the Blazers' crafty guards that can create opportunities for him.
Defensively, he's a modern-day center that teams covet—a good-sized rim protector with the athleticism to switch out onto the perimeter. The Blazers are one of the worst defensive-rebounding teams in the league. Jerami Grant only averaged 3.5 rebounds this season, and Robert Williams has played a combined 41 games the past two seasons. While he's not much of an offensive threat outside of the paint, Missi's defense and rebounding contributions would help the Blazers fill other areas of need.