Spurs' Sidy Cissoko Drawing Comparisons to Manu Ginobili: 'I'll Take It!'
The San Antonio Spurs have had tons of attention on their French-born draft pick during Summer League action.
Of course, we're talking about Spurs guard Sidy Cissoko. Who else could there be?
Jokes asides, though San Antonio's rookie star Victor Wembanyama has earned the spotlight - especially after his bounce-back game against the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday - Cissoko has been impressing fans early and often as well. As a result, he's already been earning comparisons to Hall of Famer and Spurs legend Manu Ginobili, arguably the most beloved player in franchise history.
"I've been feeling great being compared to a guy like that," Cissoko said after Tuesday's win 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.'"
Ginobili was one of the league's most unique players during his 16-year NBA career. From his non-stop hustle, fiery competitiveness and crafty offensive ability, it's easy to see why he became so beloved in San Antonio.
Cissoko has displayed his own uniqueness as well, but has shown some Ginobili-like flashes.
In Tuesday's 96-85 win over the Wizards at the Vegas Summer League, Cissoko finished with just one points on 0 of 5 shooting, but added seven rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. As a passer, he showed the kind of risky confidence that Ginobili had, making attempts at plays that other guys might be too conservative to try.
Here's a look at a few examples:
Cissoko's highlight of the night on Tuesday was his behind-the-back assist to Spurs forward Dominick Barlow. A simple shovel pass after brushing off the defender might have been effective as well, but Cissoko showed some exciting riskiness by dishing it to Barlow in a quicker manner by going around the back instead.
He also pulled off this interesting behind no-look pass in transition that got the fans at the Thomas & Mack center "ooing" and "aweing."
There were also passes that caught his own teammates off guard. After a rebound ricocheted over to him, Cissoko tried another no-look pass toward the block, but it was fumbled out of bounds. Still, it's clear he's not afraid to play this kind of fearless style, something that Ginobili was known to do as well.
Making true comparisons with Cissoko to a Hall of Famer and basketball legend might be a bit premature, and could put the rookie in a box that might be unfair to him. But it just goes to show that fans are already getting attached to the second-round pick, as he aims to be an interesting depth piece this upcoming season.
You can follow Zach Dimmitt on Twitter at @ZachDimmitt7
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