Interview with Sidy Cissoko: « It’s great to be in Portland »

Sidy Cissoko (6’6″, 20 years old) is living a new adventure with Portland. Traded by San Antonio, the Parisian saw his rights move from Washington to Sacramento before being released and signing a two-way contract with the Trail Blazers. With the Oregon franchise, which is having a surprising second half of the season, the former Baskonia player sees limited NBA court time (two appearances, 4 and 1 minutes). He continues developing while playing in the G-League (five games, averaging 16.6 points on 50% shooting including 36.4% from 3-point range, 3.8 rebounds and 4.8 assists in 34 minutes). After his team’s victory in Philadelphia on Monday March 3rd, he discussed his new life with the Blazers.

First, how is your integration with the Blazers going?

It’s going very well. There are good guys here. From day one, they welcomed me warmly. It means a lot to me. It’s a team that wants to win just like I do. It’s really great to be here.

Were you surprised by the trade? Did you know about it beforehand, were you part of discussions?

Yes, there were moments of reflection when I was traded. Then, I had the chance to take time and think about my choice. I knew I had a very good relationship with Portland. I know several guys here like Scoot (Henderson, whom he played with for G-League Ignite) and the coaches, etc. They spoke well of me and so I didn’t hesitate to join them.

There’s a big contrast between a few weeks ago when you were at Bercy in front of over 30 French journalists and now playing in relative anonymity…

No, I don’t feel the difference. The basketball world is small. One way or another, we know everyone’s paths will cross again. I need to be patient and work on my end.

What do you take away from your time with the Spurs?

That was a young Sidy there. He had very good development. He now knows how the NBA works, he knows the players. Now it’s about being patient and waiting for your turn.

What’s the plan in Portland? Some NBA, some G-League?

I’d say the same as with the Spurs. For now it’s a two-way. I’m waiting for my NBA opportunity and I’ll grab it with both hands.

Isn’t there some form of ‘competition’ with Rayan Rupert? You play the same position, with primarily defensive profiles, you’re the same age (both born in 2004), going back and forth between NBA and G-League.

We’re on the same team, we help each other. Two French players on the same team, we can support each other. There’s not much competition. Even with Toumani (Camara), I don’t find there’s competition. We can all help each other in the end. For now, we haven’t had our chances (with Rayan). I wouldn’t use the word competition, because it’s a strong word. Yes, in basketball there’s always competition, it’s been that way since the beginning of our careers. But there’s no competition, we help each other, we like each other, etc.

Can Toumani Camara be an example of a player drafted quite late (52nd, 8 spots after Cissoko) who’s making his place?

He’s an example like all players here who want to prove something in the NBA. I don’t think all players here want to just play well in the NBA.

Do you form a little group in the locker room?

It’s nice to be among French speakers but there are no cliques in the team. We all like each other, even though it’s true we speak French among the three of us. The other Americans try to speak French with us, even if they can’t. It’s a bit funny sometimes.

Do you tease Toumani about Belgium?

Not really, we like Belgium (smiles). We know there was a little rivalry during the World Cup. We enjoy having this small French-speaking group in the team, it’s nice.

Is the French national team this summer somewhat in your mind, have there been contacts with the Federation?

For now I’m really focusing on the season. I couldn’t say much about the French team this summer.

This focused and patient attitude illustrates the maturity needed to capitalize on good opportunities, both on and off the court.

Philadelphia,