So he's like 6' 6.'5" to 6'7" with shoes. So similar to Rayan Rupert! Sidy Cissoko (/ˈsiːdisɪˈsoʊkoʊ/SEE-dee sih-SOH-koh; born 2 April 2004) is a French professional basketball player who last played for the San Antonio Spurs of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He previously played for the NBA G League Ignite. French and 20 years old, like Rupert. Rupert is younger by about 2 months. They were drafted consecutively, Rupert at 43 and Cissoko at 44, in 2023. Both had fathers who played basketball for national teams. Cissoko's father, Yaya (or Yakia), was a basketball player who represented Senegal at the 1980 Summer Olympics in Moscow. Rupert's father, Thierry, was a EuroLeague player and captain of the French national team.
Countryman for Rupert to hang out with while they're not playing. Would love to see all our Euros on the floor together. Rupes/Sidy/Tou (.com)
I actually really liked Sidy Cissoko coming out the draft in '23. He was on my short list of targets for Blazers (with Rupert). I thought he had the body and frame to be bigger defender as a 3/4. I normally would be very excited about this pickup, but I'll admit that I am a bit more skeptical given that the Spurs simply gave up on him (and then the Kings nor Wizards apparently wanted to use a roster spot on him). I wonder if things just aren't clicking? Still, there are definitely traits to like with Cissoko. No offense to Taze, but he certainly make more sense as an upside swing.
I see Cronin trying to find and develop his own version of Lu Dort, who was undrafted in 2019, signed on a two-way-contract with OKC, known for his defense, and now starts every game he plays for the Thunder.
He also was on the G-League Ignite team with Scoot, so there is history there too. (You wonder if every G-League Ignite draftee needs a "reprogramming") As a two-way, it's definitely a worthwhile swing.
My apologies to the entire Blazers organization for my rash critique of the way they handled the trade deadline. Had I only known Sidy morherfucking Cissoko was the real target, all along, I would have been much more chill. Is it too late to change my win total to winning out?
