Spurs Sign Sidy Cissoko to New Contract: Full Details
The San Antonio Spurs are signing Sidy Cissoko to a full standard three-year contract as opposed to a two-way deal.
The 19-year-old played for the G League Ignite before being selected No. 44 overall by the Spurs in the 2023 NBA Draft.
Cissoko was among the Spurs' Summer League standouts in Las Vegas, averaging 5.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 2.8 assists in 23.8 minutes per game. Armed with a 6-foot-10 wingspan, he impressed with his defensive versatility above all else.
"He's been fantastic on the defensive end," Spurs Summer League coach Matt Nielsen said in Las Vegas.
Factoring in his playmaking flashes, Cissoko showed the makings of potentially being an all-around complementary talent, which bodes well as the team builds around Victor Wembanyama. He is focused on filling a role and understands defense is the way to begin in doing so.
"I know I am a rookie and a second-round pick, so I know I won’t get 20 shots a game," Cissoko said. "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."
The Spurs' goal is for Cissoko to become the latest second-round draft steal in the organization's history, much like now Hall of Fame member Manu Ginobili proved to be. Cissoko had actually drawn comparisons from his previous coach to Ginobili, something that he said felt great to hear.
"I've been feeling great being compared to a guy like that," Cissoko said after the Spurs' Summer League victory over the Washington Wizards. "(My coach) last year was comparing me to Ginobili, and I said 'Okay. I'll take it. He's a good player.'"
Before Cissoko received his contract, there has been speculation about the Spurs' need to trim down their roster ahead of the upcoming season. San Antonio signed Dominick Barlow to a two-way contract and now must cut or trade three players before their regular season opener.
Grant Afseth is an NBA reporter primarily covering the Dallas Mavericks, but also the San Antonio Spurs, Houston Rockets, New York Knicks, and Orlando Magic for FanNation, as well as the league at larger for NBA Analysis Network. He previously covered the Indiana Pacers and NBA for CNHI's Kokomo Tribune and various NBA teams for USA TODAY Sports Media Group.
Follow him on Twitter (@grantafseth), Facebook (@grantgafseth), and YouTube (@grantafseth).
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