[The following scouting report is part of a series on potential 2023 draft prospects from Sports Business Classroom alumni.]

Sidy Cissoko
Frame: 6’8”, 200 lbs
Position: Forward
Team: G League Ignite
2023 Draft Age: 19
Stats via G League statistic’s database

Offense

Cissoko is an athletic, around-the-rim finisher who is difficult to guard when he gets a head of steam. He’s efficient at the rim, shooting 62.4 percent within five feet of the basket during his G League rookie campaign.

Cissoko has shown an impressive set of handles when attacking the basket. He has a go-to crossover and spin move that looks similar to that of Raptors star Pascal Siakam. But he is also an incredibly smart cutter and can find ways to get open in the restricted area without the ball already in his hands.

His intelligence also shows itself as a transition passer. Cissoko can lead a break and make the right decision more often than not, although he did have minor turnover issues last season.

As an NBA wing, Cissoko could stand to improve his outside shooting. He shot 30.4 percent from three-point range on 3.6 attempts with G League Ignite and 33.3 percent outside of five feet away from the basket, via the G League’s statistics database.

However, he made 37.8 percent of his catch-and-shoot threes, showing that he could be very effective from that range with some work. He must also improve scoring off the dribble outside the painted area.

Defense

Cissoko could be one of the most versatile defenders of the 2023 draft class. His 7’0” wingspan and 6’7” frame allows him to guard position 2-5, giving him a similar defensive profile to the Lakers’ Jarred Vanderbilt.

He is a plus-defender both on- and off-ball. While he had some trouble staying in front of elite ball handlers at the G League level, he showed improvement as the season progressed and became a complete defensive prospect.

Cissoko could be a great rim protector as a small-ball center. He used his athleticism to make some highlight-reel blind-side blocks this season. Off-ball is where he shows his highest defensive value.

He also projects out as a player capable of guarding some of the game’s elite wings and giving them trouble with his frame.

Looking Ahead

Cissoko will bring energy and effort to any team that selects him in the NBA Draft. He can be an instant game-changer on the defensive end at his best. He’ll just need to figure out how to increase his effectiveness with the ball, especially as he transitions to facing bigger rim protectors.

If he can add an even somewhat reliable jump shot, there’s no telling what his ceiling can be. On draft night, he projects to be selected in the mid-to-late 20s, meaning he could potentially find himself contributing to a contender next season.