Heading into Summer League, all eyes were on the San Antonio Spurs and Victor Wembanyama. The phenomenal Frenchman went first overall after over a year of anticipation, as the 19-year-old was (and still is) the most hyped prospect since LeBron James. But while his two Summer League games garnered a ton of attention, his teammates have played well, too.
Malaki Branham had an up-and-down stint, but he showed off his potential. Guys like Dominick Barlow and Julian Champagnie also played well. But Spurs rookie Sidy Cissoko has also played well, leaving Spurs fans intrigued by his talent and ability to handle the ball.
But Cissoko knows his offense isn’t going to be what gets him on the floor.
“I know I am a rookie and a second-round pick, so I know I won’t get 20 shots a game,” Cissoko said via Tom Osborn of the San Antonio Express-News. “I am just trying to do my best with my defense and try to help the team in other ways. I know my role. I know what to do.”
He’s committed to helping the Spurs with his defense, knowing that everything else will fall in line afterward.
“I just try to help the team first with my defense,” Cissoko said. “You can get minutes playing defense. When you play defense, the offense will come along.”
Cissoko has put on a show during Summer League, displaying his flashiness, but when it comes down to it, he understands that defense comes first. And for him to already know that as a 19-year-old rookie is a great indicator of his maturity.
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