Inside The Spurs

Spurs Rookie Sidy Cissoko 'Excited to Face Off' Against Former Teammate, LeBron James

A Summer League matchup against Scoot Henderson — Spurs guard Sidy Cissoko's former teammate — has the rookie looking forward to his first taste of NBA basketball.

Matt Guzman

Spurs Rookie Sidy Cissoko 'Excited to Face Off' Against Former Teammate, LeBron James
Spurs Rookie Sidy Cissoko 'Excited to Face Off' Against Former Teammate, LeBron James /
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SAN ANTONIO — Through just a few days with the San Antonio Spurs, Sidy Cissoko has proven he packs a punch. 

On offense, the 6-6 guard can score with ease, yet just as easily set his teammates up through passes and positioning. On defense, he's one of the most versatile players at his position and personality-wise, he's already given Spurs fans a reason to root for him. 

While spending a season with the G-League Ignite gave the 44th overall pick experience playing against NBA-caliber defenders and being coached by NBA-caliber coaches, it still doesn't quite compare to playing against some of the league's stars.

But Cissoko is ready to do that.

"That's a tough one," the rookie said when asked which NBA player he's most excited to guard next season. "I'd say Scoot, my former teammate ... and obviously LeBron. But I'm excited for Summer League, when we have our game against Portland." 

Cissoko isn't the only rookie excited to face off against the NBA superstar, though given his rookie status, it may take time before Popovich gives him a shot to guard the league's all-time leading scorer. There is a chance, however, especially considering his strong defensive skillset, which garnered him a lot of respect from teams around the association. 

Even still, the former option Cissoko mentioned does seem far more plausible. Scoot Henderson — Cissoko's former G League teammate — is headed to Portland after being drafted with the third overall pick, and will set the pair up for a first face off during NBA Summer League in July. 

Until then, the rookie will continue to work with the NBA caliber coaches he's used to working with, though now in San Antonio, and will look to prove why his defense is something opponents should resent facing.

Cissoko and the Spurs will play Henderson's Trail Blazers on July 9 at the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas. 

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Matt Guzman
MATT GUZMAN

Matt Guzman is a sports journalist and storyteller from Austin, Texas. He serves as a credentialed reporter and site manager for San Antonio Spurs On SI and a staff writer for multiple collegiate sites in the same network. In the world of professional sports, he is a firm believer that athletes are people, too, and intends to tell stories of players and teams’ true, behind-the-scenes character that otherwise would not be seen through strong narrative writing, hooking ledes and passionate words.

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