Detroit Pistons draft: A 2nd-round prospect from G-League Ignite

The Detroit Pistons are counting down the days to the NBA Draft Lottery, which is now less than two weeks away.

All of the focus is going on the first pick and whether the Pistons will get lucky enough to draft Victor Wembanyama first overall in the 2023 NBA Draft.

Barring that, just about anything could happen, as dropping to 2nd or below opens up a lot of possibilities for trades.

Those trades could also include the 31st pick, which could be a valuable asset if the Pistons want to move up in the draft or put together a package for a proven player.

If the Pistons do make a selection with their 31st pick, they’ll be looking for a gem that drops into their laps with the first pick in the second round, a possible lottery talent that everyone else overlooked.

One player who could fit that description is Sidy Cissoko from France, who just completed a season with the G-League Ignite.

Detroit Pistons draft: Sidy Cissoko

Cissoko is not the most coveted player coming out of France, that honor belongs to Wembanyama, but he’s one of several players from a growing talent pool coming from that country that also includes Wemby’s teammate Bilal Coulibaly.

Cissoko is a big play-making guard/wing who stands at 6-foot-8 and averaged 12.8 points, 3.6 assists and 2.8 rebounds this season for the Ignite. Those numbers aren’t going to blow anyone away, especially considering the defense in the G-League isn’t great, nor will his shooting splits, which need work.

But Cissoko profiles as a guy who can make plays on the wing, play some point, and who can be a plus defender in the NBA. He’s very athletic, and his size should allow him to defend multiple positions and be a plus in that area.

To make it in the NBA, his 3-point shooting (30 percent) will need to improve, but the play-making, athleticism and defense are intriguing. He’s projected to go in the late first round, possibly the early second, and at 19-years-old, would be a primary candidate to stay in the G-League on a two-way contract.

As you can see in these highlights, Cissoko is adept at handling the ball, getting to the rim to set up teammates with nifty passes, and he is finisher who plays above the rim. He’s great in transition as a finisher or facilitator:

The Detroit Pistons need more athleticism and defense on the wing and Cissoko is a guy who could eventually provide it. If he falls out of the first round, he’ll get consideration for the 31st pick.