Spurs take Sidy Cissoko with No. 44 pick in 2023 NBA Draft
With the No. 44 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, the San Antonio Spurs selected G League Ignite small forward Sidy Cissoko.
A native of Paris suburb Saint-Maurice, Cissoko became the first European to join the Ignite in July 2022. Fifth on the Ignite in scoring last season behind fellow draft-bound brethren Scoot Henderson and Leonard Miller, Cissoko was one of four from the team to feature in the Rising Stars Challenge at the 2023 NBA All-Star Weekend.
As Ignite coach Jason Hart stated, the 19-year-old's biggest strength is passing, an asset for a big-bodied wing with Cissoko's frame. While Cissoko does need to develop his ball-handling skills, he was second in the G League in dunks last season, hinting that he's capable of finding seams to attack. A raw talent with plenty of upside - patience will be key.
Bio
Position: Small forward
Club: G League Ignite
Height: 6-foot-6
Weight: 224 lbs
Wingspan: 6-foot-10
Max vertical: 35 inches
2022-23 stats with G League Ignite
| GP | FG% | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 28 | 45.5 | 30.4 | 64.5 | 2.8 | 3.6 | 12.8 |
Strengths
- Attacking the rim. What Cissoko lacks in a first step, he makes up for in freakish strength.
- Has the tools to become an elite NBA passer.
- Can function as a playmaker or off the ball, where he most often played alongside Henderson with the Ignite.
- Can defend a variety of positions thanks to his length.
Weaknesses
- Shooting. His numbers did improve marginally as the season continued, though remain a ways away from NBA level for his position.
- Not an elite athlete and lacks an explosive burst.
- Needs to improve his decision-making on offense, where he's capable of both being too passive and forcing plays.
NBA comparable: O.G. Anunoby - or at least that's the comparison Hart made. To Cissoko's credit, there are similarities between him and the Raptors' defensive keystone, especially in terms of their length and ability to guard multiple positions. And like Anunoby, Cissoko will enter the Association needing to refine his skills at the offensive end.