Rebuilding Spurs Look to Sidy Cissoko to Evolve Beyond Potential

The No. 44 overall pick in last year’s draft has some significant work ahead of him.

Jul 13, 2024; Las Vegas, NV, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Sidy Cissoko (25) dribbles against the Portland Trail Blazers during the first quarter at Thomas & Mack Center. / Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

Talent alone can only take you so far. Development is key, and for San Antonio Spurs wing Sidy Cissoko, time is critical.

As the Spurs rebuild around their new franchise centerpiece, Victor Wembanyama, Cissoko finds himself at a crossroads, where flashes of brilliance on defense are overshadowed by glaring inconsistencies on offense. His potential is evident, but the road ahead is uncertain, as the young forward must prove he can do more than just hold his own in the NBA — he must show he can thrive.

Standing at 6-foot-8, Cissoko brings an impressive combination of size and athleticism to the court, qualities that make him a promising defender in a league where versatility is king. He’s shown he can match up against a variety of opponents, and his ability to disrupt plays could be invaluable to a Spurs team that’s in desperate need of defensive stability.

Apr 5, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich gives direction to guard Sidy Cissoko (25) against the New Orleans Pelicans during the first half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports / Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

However, Cissoko’s offensive game is a different story. His shooting struggles were painfully clear during the 2024 Summer League, where he connected on just 30% of his shots and a paltry 16.7% from three-point range.

These numbers underline a significant gap in his game—one that could limit his playing time and his future with the Spurs if not addressed.

The Spurs have a reputation for their patient approach to player development, often giving young players the time they need to grow. Cissoko will likely have opportunities to refine his shooting and expand his offensive repertoire, but the clock is ticking. In today’s NBA, where spacing and shooting are at a premium, there’s no guarantee that Cissoko’s offensive game will develop quickly enough to keep pace with the league.

READ MORE: Can Blake Wesley Earn His Place in San Antonio?

Experimentation with Cissoko as a point-forward during the Summer League yielded mixed results. While there were moments of promise, his 1.75 assist-to-turnover ratio suggests he’s not yet ready to be a primary playmaker. Combined with his shooting issues, this leaves Cissoko in a precarious position where his contributions on offense may be limited.

Austin Spurs' Sidy Cissoko shoots a 3-pointer during a game on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at American Bank Center in Corpus Christi, Texas. / © Angela Piazza/Caller-Times / USA TODAY NETWORK

Cissoko’s potential role in the Spurs’ rotation will likely depend on his ability to improve his shooting and decision-making. His defense might earn him minutes, but to secure a long-term spot on the team, he’ll need to show he can be more than a one-dimensional player. The Spurs’ investment in him— a three-year, $5.2 million contract with $2.5 million guaranteed — reflects cautious optimism. They see the potential, but the commitment is modest, indicating that the team is not fully sold on his long-term fit.

A significant part of Cissoko’s development will be his chemistry with other young Spurs like Wembanyama and Jeremy Sochan. If he can find his niche within this core group, he could carve out a meaningful role on a team that’s building for the future. However, that will require substantial progress, especially in his offensive game.

READ MORE: Jeremy Sochan Unharmed After Crashing Porsche on Texas Highway

As Cissoko works his way back from a knee injury, he faces the reality that his time to prove himself may be limited. The Spurs will continue to test different lineups, and Cissoko will need to demonstrate that he’s more than just a defensive specialist. His potential is clear, but potential alone won’t be enough to secure a lasting place on a team with championship aspirations.

Get out of his way! 🤯🇫🇷

French rookie Sidy Cissoko threw down rim-shattering POSTERS all season for the @austin_spurs. pic.twitter.com/hES5pF7rLH

— NBA G League (@nbagleague) May 1, 2024

His performance last year, where he averaged 3.8 points in limited garbage time, was a small sample that left much to be desired. To secure his place in San Antonio’s future, he’ll need to do more than just show flashes of talent in low-pressure situations — he’ll need to evolve into a consistent, reliable contributor on both ends of the floor.

Whether Cissoko rises to the challenge or fades into the background will be one of the key storylines to watch as the Spurs rebuild.