Sidy Cissoko has been great to start the season for the Portland Trail Blazers, looking like a far improved two-way wing. The progression he's shown since entering the league, or even since joining Portland, has been really promising for his career trajectory at just 22 years old. Credit the Blazers for bringing him in on a two-way contract, and then ultimately making the right decision to convert it to a standard one once Cissoko proved his value as a role player.
This development is perfect timing for the Blazers, who need Cissoko to help address their lack of wing depth. Portland traded away Kris Murray and Jerami Grant to the Memphis Grizzlies in the Ja Morant deal. They also saw Matisse Thybulle join the rival Los Angeles Lakers in free agency.
Still, general manager Joe Cronin didn't feel the need to fill the void externally. Over the offseason, he said that though they were probably a little thin, it was also a testament to the confidence in the wings and forwards they do still have on this roster.
Sidy Cissoko is stepping up to cover Blazers' lack of wing depth
The 3-0 start to the season is proving that statement to be valid. The headliners are understandably All-Star Deni Avdija, a red-hot Toumani Camara, and a versatile Jrue Holiday, who's playing more small forward this season. But Cissoko is proving early on that he belongs in that group of players Cronin was referring to that were ready to step up in an increased role.
That's really all he's ever done since joining the Blazers. This is someone who somehow went from roster bubble to starting 26 games on a team that made the playoffs. Now, he's taking yet another step in that evolution, a key piece on a Western Conference contender. We're seeing the Charizard version of Cissoko, the role player.
So far, he's averaging a career-high 8.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.7 assists in 24.0 minutes per game. The 30 percent three-point shooting remains an area of improvement, but overall Cissoko is efficient at 53.3 percent from the field.
It remains to be seen if he can ever become a league-average shooter, though it is promising that his percentages appear to be trending upwards since entering the league. Portland could have yet another 3-and-D weapon on its hands to spell Camara if Cissoko ever reaches that level. But even in this current role, he's making all the plays you can ask for to help impact winning.
Cissoko provides contagious energy coming off the bench in Portland. With so many ball handlers and playmakers, it's important to have guys like Cissoko who know how to win without scoring or needing the ball in their hands. Those intangibles have already been on full display to open the season.
It not only makes him an incredibly easy player to root for, but it also gives the Blazers a hidden gem on their roster. Cronin has assembled one of the deepest benches in the league, and it's these quiet contributors like Cissoko that have given the Blazers an overlooked advantage in every matchup so far.
Add us as a preferred source on Google