Tag: Sidy Cissoko

Spurs rookie Sidy Cissoko has potential to become ‘key role player’

San Antonio Spurs rookie Sidy Cissoko has the potential to be a great rotation piece.

This offseason, the San Antonio Spurs got a great chance to take a look at their young talent during Summer League. Obviously, Victor Wembanyama stole the show, as the first overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft has had millions of eyes on him for months. He hasn’t played in an NBA game yet, and he’s already an international superstar.

However, he’s not the only young player on the Spurs. Guys like Dominick Barlow and Malaki Branham also played well, but one of the most intriguing players was rookie Sidy Cissoko. The second-round pick performed well, and Spurs fans have loved watching him play.

According to Jacob Douglas of Pounding the Rock, Cissoko has the potential to become a “key role player” for the Spurs.

“Cissoko’s performance was so fun to watch,” Douglas wrote. “Some Spurs fans online have referred to themselves as ‘Sidy Cissickos,’ a play on the ‘basketball sickos,’ or people so obsessed with the game they would take time out of their Sunday to watch G Leaguers play in the summer league. Cissoko’s talent in transition is what really pops. His creativity and athleticism are a dynamite combo. If the Spurs continue to play a fast paced game, he could eventually become a key role player. Almost netting a triple-double in your last summer league game is something to celebrate.”

In five Summer League appearances, Cissoko averaged 5.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.2 blocks per game on 36.0% shooting from the field and 22.2% shooting from distance.

The rookie showed off some fun passing skills and looked great on the defensive end, giving a ton of hope for his future as a unique rotation piece in San Antonio.

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Spurs rookie Sidy Cissoko using Jeremy Sochan as example

San Antonio Spurs rookie Sidy Cissoko is using Jeremy Sochan as an example, especially on the defensive end.

The San Antonio Spurs got the chance to take a look at a ton of their young talent during Summer League this year. Obviously, most eyes from the outside world were focused on Victor Wembanyama, who the Spurs selected with the first pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. But for San Antonio, this was a great chance to watch their other young prospects play, too.

One player who stood out alongside Wembanyama was fellow rookie, and fellow Frenchman, Sidy Cissoko. The youngster drew comparisons to Spurs legend Manu Ginobili, showing a ton of promise with the ball in his hands and as a jack-of-all-trades on both ends of the court.

As Cissoko aims to focus his efforts on the defensive side of the ball, he said that he’s using Spurs forward Jeremy Sochan as an example.

“I take the example from Jeremy,” Cissoko said via Tom Osborn of the San Antonio Express-News. “He is the crazy guy on the team, and I just try to be like him.”

Spurs assistant and Summer League head coach Matt Nielson also praised Cissoko’s play on the defensive end.

“That’s his mentality,” Nielsen said. “He takes pride in his defense. He took on the biggest challenge and did such a good job with it.”

Cissoko may not lead the team in scoring every night, but the impact he makes in all other areas stands out. Plus, he’s good for a few flashy plays every once and a while, making him not only an impact player, but a joy to watch.

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Spurs’ Sidy Cissoko knows role: ‘You can get minutes playing defense’

San Antonio Spurs rookie Sidy Cissoko understands that defense comes first, and he’s ready to embrace that mentality.

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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2023 Lakers draft prospect profile: Sidy Cissoko

A look at Sidy Cissoko, a forward from the G League Ignite.

The 2023 NBA draft is nearing, and the Los Angeles Lakers appear to have a few items to take care of on their to-do list to become true championship contenders again.

One of them is greater viable depth at the wing and forward positions. Jarred Vanderbilt, who was acquired in February’s Russell Westbrook trade, proved a solid defender, but he is offensively inept and may not be the elite defender he first appeared to be.

Los Angeles will have both the No. 17 and No. 47 selections in Thursday’s draft. One possible candidate for the No. 17 pick is Sidy Cissoko, a forward from the G League Ignite it recently worked out.

2023 NBA Mock Draft 5.0: 58 projections after the early entry withdrawal deadline

Rookie Wire took a look at where the next draft class stands following the early entry withdrawal deadline.

The NBA pre-draft process crossed another important checkpoint on the schedule with the early entry withdrawal deadline coming and going this week.

Prospects had the opportunity to test the waters and meet with teams to gain feedback on their potential draft stock. To maintain their remaining college eligibility, they had to withdraw from consideration by 11:59 p.m. EDT on Wednesday.

The deadline saw several potential second-round picks withdraw from the draft and return to school. With name, image and likeness playing a prevalent role in college basketball, players were likely swayed to stay one more year to work on their games and capitalize financially.

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The 2024 draft is also projected to be weaker than in past years, which also may have played a role in some players opting against turning pro. They likely believe they will have a greater chance of being a first-round pick next year.

With several players off the board, teams can prioritize workouts and interviews with those individuals remaining in the draft. As a result, players’ stock will continue to fluctuate with less than three weeks to go until the draft.

Rookie Wire took a look at where the draft stands following the early entry withdrawal deadline. Team needs were taken into consideration for these picks.

2023 NBA Mock Draft 3.0: Projections for every pick post-March Madness

Rookie Wire took a look at where the next draft class stands following the NCAA Tournament.

The NBA pre-draft process is in full swing as prospects around the world prepare to transition to the next level.

Teams around the league will begin hosting private workouts in the coming weeks as they finalize their draft boards. There will be various pro days on the radar and, of course, the draft combine and G League Elite Camp next month in Chicago, Illinois.

Underclassmen have until April 23 to declare for the draft. Several notable players have already decided to return to school, including Kyle Filipowski, Harrison Ingram, Baylor Scheierman and Kel’el Ware. Others are still mulling over their decisions.

Related: Key dates for NBA draft, combine, lottery and deadlines

With players still in the process of making decisions, some prospects were excluded from this mock draft because they are projected to return to school next season. However, most players projected to be drafted have already announced their decisions.

Rookie Wire took a look at where the draft stands following the NCAA Tournament. It is important to note that team needs were not necessarily taken into account with each pick. The projections are rather a look at where each individual player stands at this point of the process.

Note: The order of the draft was pulled from Tankathon as of April 14. The draft will have only 58 picks this year because the Bulls and 76ers were stripped of their second-round picks by the NBA due to tampering violations.

NBA Rising Stars 2023: Full rosters revealed in draft announcement

The NBA on Tuesday unveiled the four seven-player teams for the 2023 NBA Rising Stars game.

The NBA on Tuesday unveiled the four seven-player teams for the 2023 NBA Rising Stars competition set to take place on Feb. 17 as part of All-Star Weekend in Salt Lake City, Utah.

The showcase will feature four seven-player teams competing in a mini-tournament consisting of three games for the second straight year. Each game will be played to a final target score, meaning a game will end with a made basket or a made free throw instead of a running clock.

The pool of 28 players for the game consists of 11 first-year players, 10 second-year players and seven players from the G League. The rookies and sophomores were selected by assistant coaches, and the G League players were chosen by the league office.

The G League players will comprise one of the four teams.

The three teams from the NBA will be coached by Pau Gasol, Joakim Noah and Deron Williams. The three former players each selected seven players to their teams on Tuesday in an order determined by career All-Star appearances: Gasol (6), Williams (3) and Noah (2).

Here are the four rosters for the NBA Rising Stars competition.

NBA Rising Stars 2023: Player pool revealed for annual showcase

The NBA on Tuesday unveiled the list of 28 players set to participate in the annual Rising Stars game on Feb. 17.

The NBA on Tuesday unveiled the list of 28 players set to participate in the annual Rising Stars game on Feb. 17 as part of All-Star Weekend in Salt Lake City, Utah.

The showcase game will feature four seven-player teams competing in a mini-tournament consisting of three games for the second straight year. Each game will be played to a final target score, meaning a game will end with a made basket or a made free throw instead of a running clock.

The pool of 28 players for the game consists of 11 first-year players, 10 second-year players and seven players from the G League. The rookies and sophomores were selected by assistant coaches and the G League players were chosen by the league office.

The 21 NBA players were selected by assistant coaches across the league. Each team submitted a rookie ballot and sophomore ballot featuring four frontcourt players, four guards and two additional players of any position, in order of preference.

The three NBA teams will be coached by Pau Gasol, Joakim Noah and Deron Williams. Jazz assistant coach Jason Terry, who previously coached the Grand Rapids Gold, will lead the G League team. Assistants from the All-Star Game staffs will also coach in the event.

TNT will televise the competition beginning at 9 p.m. EST.

2023 NBA Mock Draft 1.0: An early look at the top prospects next year

Rookie Wire took a very early look at the next rookie class and some of the top prospects to monitor over the course of the 2022-23 season.

With the basketball world over a month removed from the NBA draft, many have started to look ahead to the next rookie class and which prospects may be available.

The class is headlined by French phenom Victor Wembanyama, who is considered one of the top prospects in recent memory. He has performed well in the top basketball league in France and looks to already be locked in as the top pick in 2023.

Elsewhere, there are several other prospects that will be worth monitoring over the course of next season. The rankings will certainly change but it can be a productive exercise to see how prospects moved up and down draft boards ahead of next year.

Rookie Wire took a very early look at the next rookie class and some of the top prospects to monitor as the 2022-23 season approaches in a couple of months.

Note: The order of the draft was determined by the reverse championship odds set by Tipico Sportsbook. The 2023 draft will only have 59 picks after the Bulls were stripped of their second-round pick by the NBA due to a tampering violation involving the signing of Lonzo Ball.

French prospect Sidy Cissoko to play for G League Ignite next season

Cissoko is the fourth player to commit to playing with the Ignite next season.

Sidy Cissoko, a 6-foot-8 forward from France, has signed a contract to play with the NBA G League Ignite, becoming the first European-born prospect to join the program.

Cissoko played last season with Iraurgi Saski Baloia in the second division of the Spanish Basketball League on loan from Saski Baskonia. He averaged 10.5 points, 2.9 rebounds and 2.3 assists in 33 games on 41.9% shooting from the field during his first professional season.

The 18-year-old most recently competed in the 2022 Nike Hoop Summit in Portland, Oregon. He recorded three points, seven rebounds, four assists and three steals for the World Select Team on April 8.

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Prior to playing in Spain, Cissoko represented France at the 2021 FIBA U18 European Challengers, averaging 7.8 points, 3.2 rebounds, three assists and 2.4 steals in five games. He is also expected to compete in the 2022 FIBA U18 European Championship in Turkey from July 30-Aug. 7.

Cissoko is highly touted for his ability on both ends of the floor. He has demonstrated good court vision at times and has shown flashes on defense given his length and athleticism. He is still a bit raw but has the tools in place to develop into a good player.

He is the fourth player to commit to the Ignite for their third season, joining Scoot Henderson, Leonard Miller and Efe Abogidi. Cissoko is projected by some to be a first-round pick next year and will be looking to follow in the footsteps of several recent draftees from the program.

This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!

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