Sidy Cissoko is approaching the 50-game limit as a two-way signing for the Portland Trail Blazers. They should absolutely convert his contract into a standard one, and his latest performance against the New York Knicks was the latest example of why.
Portland's Energizer Bunny finished with 15 points (5-5 FG, 2-2 3Pt, 3-4 FT), two rebounds, two assists, one steal, and one block in 27 minutes. He was one of the lone bright spots in what was otherwise a deflating 127-97 loss.
It's not all that surprising, as he's now had multiple games like this throughout the season. But even when he's not scoring at this level, Cissoko is still able to make an impact with his defense, effort, and hustle -- the exact qualities you want out of a role player.
Blazers should give Sidy Cissoko a standard contract
Cissoko was largely an afterthought when the Blazers signed him to a two-way deal, but he's surprisingly become a key part of this roster. He's having a career year, averaging 6.0 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game, even starting in 21! How can you pass up the opportunity to retain someone who's started nearly half your games at 21 years old, especially when he's showing legitimate signs of progress as a potential 3-and-D wing?
The emergence of two-way signees Caleb Love and Cissoko has been the silver lining of Portland's injury-riddled season, as they discovered two hidden gems. While Love has received most of the spotlight due to his scoring, it's actually Cissoko who has the greater long-term appeal.
Love is already 24 years old and is a questionable fit on a fully healthy Blazers roster given his inefficient, high-volume scoring. It's hard to see how he carves out a role when Damian Lillard, Scoot Henderson, and, to a lesser extent, Blake Wesley are all back in the equation.
Meanwhile, Cissoko is the type of glue guy who can fit anywhere as someone who doesn't need the ball to make an impact. The Blazers could end up converting both players to standard contracts, as they're making a compelling case. But if we had to choose just one, it would be Cissoko.
The Blazers have a full 15-man roster at the moment, so they would have to clear a roster spot, but the French wing deserves it. And this recent performance against the Knicks should be further confirmation of that.