NBA Draft Player Profile: Sidy Cissoko

Jun 15, 2023, 8:00 AM

Sidy Cissoko #25 of G League Ignite drives to the basket against Keaton Wallace #32 of the Ontario ...

Ethan Miller/Getty Images

San Francisco 49ers Beat Writer

With the 2023 NBA Draft is about a week away, it’s time to look at some prospects that will be hearing their names called at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York on June 22nd.

The Sacramento have the 24th overall pick this time around, thanks to a remarkable 2022 season that saw the Kings make the playoffs for the first time in 17 years. After drafting All-Rookie First Team forward Keegan Murray (fourth pick) last summer, Sacramento will look to build off a revitalized unit by hitting on this year’s selection as well.

But what type of player does the Kings need to add to a team that just enjoyed its first NBA Playoff experience in nearly 20 years?

Over the next week or so, Sactown Sports 1140 will provide you with profiles and players expected to be on the board near the Kings’ 24th pick, and some that the team should consider trading up for next Thursday.

So without further ado, let’s dig into some film.

Sidy Cissoko | SG/SF | G League Ignite

Age: 19

Height: 6’6″

Weight: 224

2022-23 stats: 12.8 points, 3.6 assists, 45.5% FG, 30.4% 3PT, 64.5% FT

The Ringer’s Mock Draft: 37th

The 2023 NBA Draft is filled with versatile wings, including France’s Sidy Cissoko.

His mobility and versatility allow him to lock down in one-on-one situations and as a helper. Cissoko’s playmaking ability gives him a higher ceiling than just a defensive specialist, but a lot will depend on if he can become a league-average 3-point shooter.

Colin Ward-Henninger – CBS Sports

While relatively unknown to basketball casuals, his play for the G League Ignite has garnered some interest from teams in the back half of the first round. Thanks his defensive prowess and three-point potential, could we see another G League prospect shine in the NBA?

How would Cissoko fit with the Kings?

The Frenchman would be a great addition for the Kings with the 24th, or 38th pick, this month. His defensive versatility is the real selling point for his rising stock, using athleticism and good fundamentals to hold the opposition in check. Cissoko’s lateral movement bonds well at the next level, and so does his 6’10” wingspan.

While listed at 6’6″-6’7″, the French prospect plays bigger than that, able to guard multiple positions on any given play. His physicality is on display routinely, able to absorb the contact on drives and still stay in the play.

The defense is real, regardless of his future offensive outcome.

Sidy Cissoko pops off the screen when you watch him play. Feels like he’s being very undervalued in this draft based on his Ignite tape. He’s such an athletic and versatile force on both ends of the floor. He’s got the physical attributes of a forward, but grew up playing… pic.twitter.com/43HxV8bxI2

— Savant Hoops (@SavantHoops) June 7, 2023

The cherry on top is his potential as a 3 & D guy, showing enough of a shot to warrant consideration. While he didn’t make many (30.4%), his jumper is fluid and shouldn’t need much fixing in the NBA.

He also has shown ball-handling skills, able to weave his way through traffic on the way to the rim. Sidy Cissoko loves to get out in transition (another Mike Brown philosophy), keeping defenders at a disadvantage.

Only 19, the Frenchman has shown real flashes of a high-quality rotation piece. But it’ll take some time. Year 1 could be a wake-up call for him, especially if that shot doesn’t fall.

Nevertheless, he’s a solid pick for Sacramento in this year’s class.

Sacramento Kings Offseason Schedule