The Portland Trail Blazers fell short in their second summer league game, losing 96-86 to the Memphis Grizzlies.
However, one silver lining from the game was the stellar play of Sidy Cissoko, who finished with a team-high 20 points to go along with four rebounds, three steals, and three assists. He was also efficient, shooting 7-of-14 from the field, 3-of-6 from three, and 3-of-3 from the charity stripe.
Sidy Cissoko's rise could solve Portland's Jabari Walker problem
Cissoko is proving Portland right for investing in the French wing, who was picked up on a two-way deal on February 8. The Blazers essentially picked Cissoko over Taze Moore, who they waived to clear roster space.
In doing so, Portland may have landed its replacement for Jabari Walker in the 2025-26 season.
Walker and Cissoko aren't identical players, but they do have similarities in terms of the role they can play for Portland. Cissoko is another strong 6-foot-7 wing who gives him a similar defensive impact as Walker with his frame, versatility, and hustle.
You could also make a case that Cissoko has a higher ceiling on the offensive end.
Walker was a tweener -- a center stuck in a power forward's body. He played a specific role extremely well with his rebounding and energy, but a reason for letting him go is that it's likely that's all he's ever going to be in the NBA.
Meanwhile, Cissoko is an above-the-rim athlete who has more upside as a playmaker. The fact that he's able to play on the wing more effectively than Walker gives the Blazers more flexibility in their rotations.
Similarly to Walker, the question surrounding Cissoko's impact as a role player is his ability to space the floor reliably. If he can continue improving in that department with impressive games like this summer league performance, it's easy to see a pathway where Cissoko winds up on the Blazers' 15-man rotation.
At 21 years old, Cissoko remains a project, which was apparent during Portland's first summer league game when he totaled eight points, five rebounds, two assists, and one steal in 21 minutes of action. Despite inevitable growing pains, if he continues this upward trajectory, the Blazers may have discovered a hidden gem.
Given his two-way potential and ability to eventually replace Walker, Portland should expand Cissoko's role in the Summer League to assess how close he is to making that a reality.