The Sacramento Kings will select their newest addition with the 24th pick of this year’s draft. Having a late first-round pick is tricky because you never know what prospects will be available. The Kings have holes they will need to address in the draft, two significant ones being the need for a two-way small forward and the lack of big-man depth.
The Athletic suggests that the Sacramento Kings address the need for a two-way forward by drafting G-League Ignite’s own Sidy Cissoko in their latest post-lottery mock draft.
Sidy Cissoko is an impressive athlete. Explosive on offense and a great defender sounds like the exact player the Kings are looking for. Cissoko, a French 6’8″ 200 pound, 19-year-old, has an impressive film that overshadows his less-impressive stats. He averaged 12.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.1 steals, and 1.0 blocks per game.
Sidy Cissoko attacks the rim with energy and is active on defense.
The most noticeable weakness in his game is his three-point shooting, as he shot 30.4% from deep. That is my biggest question with this selection, as I think the Kings, while Cissoko is an impressive prospect, will look for a better shooter.
Another question I have about Cissoko is his rebounding. I would want somebody with his build to grab more than 2.8 rebounds per game. Three-point shooting and rebounding are aspects of the game that can be developed, so if the Kings draft Cissoko, I would not be upset, but I do not think they are looking to select a development-level player.
Cissoko can be a facilitator off the bench for this Kings team, as his play-making, mixed with athleticism, allows him to play on the ball. He would need to improve his ball handle, but again, that is something that can be developed. Cissoko rarely had to be a facilitator on the G-League Ignite’s squad, playing next to the 2nd best prospect in the draft, Scoot Henderson.
My favorite Sidy Cissoko skill may be his passing. Great accuracy, vision, creativity. It boosts his long term on-ball upside, but also makes him one of the most intriguing off-ball players in the class. He keeps the ball moving, improves the playmaking + versatility of the OFF. pic.twitter.com/NMhUfY6Okl
— Tyler Metcalf (@tmetcalf11) May 11, 2023
To summarize his strengths, his scouting report is (via Sports Illustrated):
"“On the offensive end, the jumbo guard is best at attacking the rim… His positional size is great, which allows him to play anything from point guard to point forward. Overall, is an extremely smart player that makes those around him more effective.”"
Sidy Cissoko is an impressive prospect, but his lack of shooting and rebounding concerns me if the Sacramento Kings select him with the 24th pick. I still think he would be impactful in Sacramento, but there are holes in his game that would take time to develop.
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