The NBA Draft had talent galore from picks 1 to 58, but all eyes were focused on the best prospect since LeBron James, Victor Wembanyama. The San Antonio Spurs selected the center/forward out of France with the 1st pick in the draft. Spurs fans and NBA fans all over the globe began talking about what the future has in store for the 19-year-old and the franchise. Even better than that, the Spurs drafted another French forward Sidy Cissoko out of G-League Ignite with the 44th pick. This pick has been described as a steal as Cissoko can get it done on both ends of the court, but how else are these picks perfect fits for the Silver & Black?
Victor Wembanyama and Sidy Cissoko are Perfect Fits for the San Antonio Spurs
Pros for Each San Antonio Spurs Pick
Victor Wembanyama
Victor Wembanyama fills a need the Spurs desperately needed, a franchise cornerstone. He is a 7’5″ unicorn that can play either forward position or center. Whether you need him in the low post, high post, or on the perimeter, he can get a bucket at a moment’s notice. Not only can he finish at the rim with ease, he also has good shooting touch for a 19-year-old. He averaged 21.6 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 3 blocks per game while playing for Metropolitans 92 in France’s LNB Pro A League. He won the league’s MVP, DPOY, and Best Young Player awards while capturing the scoring title and blocks title. The Spurs ranked 21st in points per game during the 2022-23 NBA season with 113 points scored per game. Wembanyama will only improve the team’s offense as next season gets underway in October.
To go along with his accolades, his athletic versatility allows him to become a swiss-army-knife on offense and defense. While standing at 7’5″, he also has an 8 foot wingspan which allows him to make lightning-fast rotations on defense for steals and blocks. The Spurs ranked dead last in points allowed during the 2022-23 NBA season with 123.1 points allowed per game. With his frame and skill set, Wembanyama can become the Spurs’ defensive anchor at either power forward or center. He has stated his preferred position is power forward, so the Spurs can start Zach Collins at center while Wembanyama builds muscle and lurks on help defense. The Spurs can only improve from having the worst defense in the league, and with Wembanyama’s help, they might totally flip the script and shock the rest of the NBA.
Sidy Cissoko
Sidy Cissoko was a starter on G-League Ignite this past NBA G-League season averaging 12.8 points, 3.6 assists, 2.8 rebounds, 1.1 steals, and 1 block per game. He stands at 6’8″ with a 6’10” wingspan which allows him to be a menace on defense. His frame and lateral quickness allow him to guard multiple positions from point guard to power forward. Having already mentioned the Spurs’ league-worst defense, Cissoko will help improve the team’s perimeter and help defense.
As far as offense goes, Cissoko is dangerous going to the rim. He has the ability to knife through the lane and slam it down with ferocity, especially on fastbreaks. He also is not afraid to pull-up from the mid-range, while hitting the occasional three-pointer. With Cissoko only being 19, he has the potential to become a key rotational piece for the Spurs with work in the upcoming NBA Summer League and G-League for the Austin Spurs.
Concerns for Each Spurs Pick
For Victor Wembanyama, the only concerns seem to be his current frame and his three-point shooting. Many analysts feel that he needs to bulk up if he wants to survive against other NBA bigs. However, Wembanyama has stated that he feels that his body is unique and that it requires different than normal workouts. He said the following in response to weight concerns, “I don’t need to bulk up, I need to get stronger.” In terms of three-point shooting, Wembanyama shot 27.5% during this past season for Metropolitans 92. As he gets playing time this season, he will have plenty of time to work on his shot.
For Sidy Cissoko, the concerns are his three-point shooting and his need to play consistently. Cissoko shot 30.4% from three this past season for G-League Ignite. He also needs to work on turning his flashes of great play to a consistent night-to-night basis. For most prospects, they tend to suffer lapses of focus. With time spent in the Summer League and G-League this year, he will have time to increase his focus on the mental part of the game, and to work on that three-pointer.
What’s the Grade?
The Spurs receive an A grade for their draft. The Wembanyama pick is an A+. Although a no-brainer pick, Wembanyama has the opportunity to turn this franchise back to relevancy. Lucky for both him and the Spurs, he has the versatile ability to score in any way possible and has the ability to defend the paint and passing lanes. He could be one of the game’s greatest players ever.
The Cissoko pick is an A-. While projected to be a late-first round/early second round pick, the Spurs got great value for the 44th pick in the draft. Cissoko is a fierce slashing defensive wing that has the lateral quickness to keep up with any player 1-4. He has the raw potential to become not only a rotational piece for the Spurs but also even a feared starter at his peak.
