Yves Missi Or Karlo Matkovic Are Exactly Who The Knicks Need To Repeat
September 11, 2026
AI Summary
5 min readThe New York Knicks’ front office has tried “feverishly” to trade for New Orleans Pelicans center Yves Missi, according to a report from Chris Haynes, despite the fact that Missi averaged fewer than six points per game last season. The Pelicans view him as a “vital core figure” and have rejected multiple offers. But for the Knicks, who lost Mitchell Robinson and are now one injury to Karl-Anthony Towns away from having no viable third center, the pursuit of a backup big is not just about filling a roster spot—it is about finding a specific set of defensive and rebounding traits they believe they can patch together by committee.
The Two Centers: What Each Offers (and Where They Fall Short)
The Pelicans have two centers who could interest the Knicks: Yves Missi, a 21-year-old raw prospect with elite shot-blocking and offensive rebounding, and Karlo Matkovic, a 25-year-old stretch big who shot 42% from three last season on limited attempts. Both have clear strengths and clear limitations.
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What you'll learn
- 1 (00:00) **Show Open & Advertisements** - Episode begins with a network intro and two paid ad reads for Discover and McDonald's.
- 2 (01:05) **Introduction to the Two Pelicans Centers** - Host Gavin Shaw outlines the show's focus: Yves Missi and Karlo Matkovic as potential trade targets for the Knicks.
- 3 (01:46) **Guest Introduction: Jake Madison** - Gavin introduces Jake Madison (Locked On Pelicans) and previews the discussion topics, including Jose Alvarado's legacy.
- 4 (02:55) **Pelicans' Willingness to Trade** - Jake explains that New Orleans is reluctant to trade either center now, but a deal becomes much more likely at the trade deadline if the team is not competitive.
- 5 (06:18) **Karlo Matkovic: Potential vs. Reality** - Jake breaks down Matkovic's game, noting his athleticism and three-point shooting are real, but the sample size is too small to guarantee he's a complete player.
- 6 (10:53) **Matkovic's Screening and Defense** - The discussion covers Matkovic's weaknesses as a screen setter and his ideal defensive position as a weak-side shot-blocking power forward.
- 7 (16:28) **Yves Missi: A Raw but Promising Prospect** - The conversation shifts to Yves Missi, focusing on his poor finishing at the rim and his elite offensive rebounding and rim protection.
+ Full timestamped outline available in the app
Guests on this episode
Show Notes
The New Orleans Pelicans’ young centers Yves Missi and Karlo Matković are at the center of trade rumors as the New York Knicks search for the missing piece in their title repeat hopes. Will the Knicks’ “feverish” pursuit land them one of these promising big men, and what would it take to pry them away from New Orleans’ tight grip?
Gavin Schall and guest Locked On Pelicans Jake Madison break down Missi’s elite rim protection, Matković’s intriguing stretch potential, and how each could fit into Tom Thibodeau’s rotation alongside Karl-Anthony Towns and Andre Drummond.
The show explores the Pelicans’ reluctance to deal their young assets, the Knicks’ desperate need for frontcourt depth, and asset valuation including Deuce McBride, draft picks, and rising prospects. Plus, the legacy of Jose Alvarado’s title run and his impact in both New York and New Orleans rounds out this insightful episode for Knicks and Pelicans fans alike.
Timestamps
00:00 Discussing Pelicans centers for Knicks
03:22 Is New Orleans willing to trade either of them?
11:11 Matkovich's screen setting could unlock his full game
14:37 Knicks' rebounding and Yves Missi discussion
17:25 Missi's over inflated offensive rebounding
20:15 Miss on an upwards trajectory
23:41 Is Missi Ready for playoff ball?
27:00 Player lineup changes and team struggles
32:28 Knicks' strategy for centers
34:24 Jose Alvarado did it for his cities
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