The Pelicans' massive void at center is still there

The New Orleans Pelicans haven't signed a replacement for Jonas Valanciunas since he inked a contract with the Wizards seven weeks ago. Time and alternatives are running out for them. Valanciunas participated in all 82 Pelicans games in the previous campaign. He completed 1,925 minutes or about 49% of the total time allotted for the center.

Valanciunas is now in Washington. In exchange for Dejounte Murray, Atlanta received Larry Nance Jr. and Cody Zeller as well. Thus, the Pelicans will need to substitute a significant number of center players. Their first-round draft pick is probably going to bear the brunt of that weight. In the NBA draft held in June, New Orleans selected Yves Missi of Baylor as the 21st overall choice. The 6-foot-11 Missi has a lot of promise as a rebounder and dunker, but his offensive capabilities are limited to dunking. He can also block shots. Although he has potential, it's difficult to expect a rookie to start for a playoff team.