San Antonio Spurs Season Preview: G League Right Move for Sidy Cissoko?
Coming from the same rookie class as a 7-4 power forward named Victor Wembanyama isn’t exactly a recipe for recognition.
San Antonio Spurs rookie Sidy Cissoko is experiencing that firsthand. He’s been the lesser talked about, lesser praised and lesser focused on rookie for the entire basketball world — outside of his own locker room, that is.
But even without the same kind of hype and expectations as his fellow French teammate, Cissoko is putting his best foot forward ahead of his first NBA season, starting with training camp.
Jul 3, 2023; Sacramento, CA, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Sidy Cissoko (25) shoots against the Charlotte Hornets during the fourth quarter at Golden 1 Center.
© Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports
“Camp has been good,” Cissoko said Thursday. “I already was a pro overseas, but it was good to finally know [my] teammates [here] and know everyone in the facility. I’m meeting new people everyday.”
As much as Cissoko is meeting new people, the Spurs and their fans are meeting him, too. His skillset has room to develop, but when he begins to find his stride, San Antonio will be waiting, especially since it already extended a warm welcome to the rookie during his first on-court minutes during the Spurs' Silver & Black open scrimmage.
“The scrimmage was crazy because there were like 16 [thousand] people there,” Cissoko said. “It was a lot. And even when I was on the sidelines, [I heard] ‘Sidy, Sidy, Sidy.’ … That was a nice experience.”
With a welcoming fanbase and an entire career ahead of him, Cissoko has plenty to look forward to, starting in Austin for the Spurs' G League affiliate. As outlined by San Antonio's coach Gregg Popovich, the rookie will spend a good portion of the season with the Austin Spurs as a way to get him acclimated to the NBA.
But despite the decreased role on the main roster, Cissoko isn't bothered by his situation.
"I knew at the beginning I wouldn’t get 20 minutes in the first game,” Cissoko said. “I knew when we talked about the contract that [playing in Austin] was going to happen. But, it’s good. I will be with Sir’Jabari [Rice] and Dominick [Barlow].”
Both Rice and Barlow proved their abilities throughout Summer League, but still just missed the cut of a full-time contract. It isn't a knock on their abilities, however, nor is it to Cissoko — and he knows that.
“Even [Keldon Johnson] and [Tre Jones] went to the G League,” Cissoko said. “I would not say no, and I will try to help Austin the most I can.”
Cissoko's defense is his strong suit. He's made that clear, and will likely continue to do so on the court, which is something he prides himself on.
"I’m the guy that plays defense every time 100% on the court and I have no regrets after a game," Cissoko said during his introductory press conference. "I can pass. I can do some crazy passes. I can shoot the ball and I just like to have fun on the court every time."
So, with his defense in line, the next step for Cissoko is to work on his offensive skillset. Austin will be a strong place for him to do that, and his mindset only helps.
All that's left is for Cissoko to learn and apply his acquired skills to the big leagues when the time comes for him to join the rest of San Antonio's full-time roster.
