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New Orleans Pelicans coach Jamahl Mosley has reportedly challenged center Yves Missi to contend for Defensive Player of the Year in the 2026–27 season. The goal is an ambitious development target, not a prediction that Missi will win the award.
What challenge did Jamahl Mosley give Yves Missi?
CBS Sports reported on October 1, 2026, that Mosley challenged Missi to contend for Defensive Player of the Year during Thursday’s media day, attributing the report to Pelicans reporter Jim Eichenhofer. The report does not provide Mosley’s exact words, so the challenge should be understood as a paraphrase rather than a direct quotation. CBS Sports’ report
Contending for the award is a high bar: the report frames it as a prompt for Missi to take another step, but gives no detailed skill plan, statistical benchmark, or interim timetable for reaching it.
How did Missi’s role and production look in 2025–26?
Missi averaged 19.7 minutes over 66 games in 2025–26, according to the CBS Sports/RotoWire report. That was down from 26.8 minutes over 73 appearances in his rookie season. The figures show a reduction in his average playing time and games played; the available reports do not establish why it happened.
#1 Best Overall
- Wilson NCAA Final Four Basketball - Size 7 - 29.5", Brown
- Deep Channels: Deeper channels between the panels of the ball allow for more grip points and better ball control when dribbling and shooting.
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NBA.com lists Missi’s 2025–26 averages as 5.7 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game. These figures provide season context, not a defensive evaluation or evidence that he is already an award contender. NBA.com player profile
What is the context for the 2026–27 target?
Missi is a New Orleans center, and Mosley is on the Pelicans coaching staff, according to NBA.com’s player and team information. Pelicans roster and staff The challenge came in preseason media-day coverage ahead of the league season, which NBA.com identifies as beginning October 20, 2026. NBA.com’s 2026 media-day roundup
Rank #2
- OFFICIAL SIZE BALL: The AND1 Fantom full size basketball is regulation size 7 (29.5”) and weight with easy to palm grip.
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- DEEP CHANNEL CONSTRUCTION: The AND1 Fantom grip basketball has advanced deep channel construction that improves ball grip and control for dribbling and shooting, perfect for players.
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- COMES DEFLATED: Every 29.5 basketball comes deflated. Quickly inflate it using a needle pump. A pump is NOT included.
The reported target is therefore best read as a forward-looking challenge for the coming season. It does not establish a fixed role or playing-time projection for Missi; preseason expectations can change.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Official size and weight: Size 7, 29.5"
Rank #4
- OFFICIAL SIZE BALL: The AND1 Chaos rubber ball is regulation size 7 (29. 5”) and weight with easy to palm grip
- BRIGHTEN UP YOUR GAME ANYWHERE: The colorful indoor outdoor basketball is designed to play anywhere. You can easily hustle on concrete or hardwood floors.
- DEEP CHANNEL CONSTRUCTION: The AND1 Chaos basketball has advanced deep channel construction that improves ball grip and control for dribbling and shooting, perfect for youth players.
- DURABILITY: This rubber basketball is made from high quality rubber material, AND1 basketball street ball is built to last and withstand wear and tear.
- COMES DEFLATED: Every 29.5 basketball comes deflated. Quickly inflate it using a needle pump. A pump is NOT included.
Rank #3
- PLAY ON ANY SURFACE: Our pro-style basketball, with rubber composite cover, is designed to be used on indoor or outdoor courts. Suitable anywhere with a hoop and a net, this basketball for adults and youth will help you win the game
- ENSURES TRUE BOUNCE AND FLIGHT: This indoor/outdoor basketball, with a 2-Ply butyl bladder for superior air retention, is ideally balanced to give you a perfect bounce-pass every time
- HOLDS UP OVER TIME: These heavy-duty basketballs with composition rubber covers stand up to frequent use on pavement or indoor courts. Great for pick-up games or league play, this ball can take a beating on the backboards and up and down the court
- VARIOUS COLORS AND SIZES AVAILABLE: Our rubber basketballs come in multiple colors and sizes, suitable for children just being introduced to the sport up to experienced adults.
- PUMP IT UP: We provide the gear, you provide the air. Ball is shipped deflated – inflate to your own preference. Pump sold separately
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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