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

Sidy Cissoko (6’6″, 20 years old) is experiencing a new adventure with Portland. Traded by San Antonio, the Parisian’s rights went from Washington to Sacramento before being released and signing a two-way contract with the Trail Blazers. Within the Oregon franchise, which is having a surprising second half of the season, the former Baskonia player sees little court time in the NBA (two appearances, 4 and 1 minutes). He continues to develop 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 nicely. It warms my heart. It’s a team that wants to win just like me. It’s really great to be here.

Did this trade surprise you? Were you aware of it, were you in discussions beforehand?

Yes, there were moments of reflection when I got traded. Then, I had the chance to sit down and think about my choice. I knew I had a very good relationship with Portland. I have 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 being at Bercy a few weeks ago in front of over 30 French journalists and now playing in relative anonymity…

No, I don’t feel the difference. The basketball world remains small. One day 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 over there. He had very good development. He now knows how the NBA works, he knows the players. Now, you have to be patient and wait 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 contract. I’m waiting for my NBA opportunity and I’ll grab it with both hands.

Is there any form of ‘competition’ with Rayan Rupert? You’re in 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 guys on the same team, we can help each other. There isn’t 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 that word is strong. 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 players here just want to play well in the NBA.

Do you form a little clan in the locker room?

It’s nice to be among French speakers but there’s no clan in the team. We all like each other, even though it’s true we speak French among us three. The American guys try to speak French with us, even though 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 the back of 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.

In Philadelphia,