Entering the 2025-26 NBA season, most people knew the Portland Trail Blazers had a set rotation. However, one player has become a pleasant Blazers story this season, which is Sidy Cissoko. Tiago Splitter’s coaching has helped Cissoko’s performances stand out with his energetic play.
Sidy Cissoko Has Become A Pleasant Trail Blazers Story
In past iterations of the Portland Trail Blazers, they struggled because of their lack of wing depth. During Damian Lillard’s prime, the Blazers deployed a guard-heavy system.
Now, that is not the same, even when Lillard has returned. The Blazers are more of a team that focuses on getting as many wing players as possible. The current star player is Deni Avdija, a versatile forward. Jerami Grant and Toumani Camara are also key pieces who play the wing positions.
Apart from this trio, two-way contract player Sidy Cissoko has played himself into a key role amidst the injury issues. The 21-year-old Frenchman is developing well with the Blazers, especially with Cissoko’s performances as of late.
Cissoko Is A Welcomed Blazers Story In A Rough Season
On the surface, Cissoko is only averaging 5.7 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game. The 21-year-old’s game is much more than the number suggests because he is a hard worker. Cissoko is the type of player to fly under the radar, as he keeps things ticking with his hustle.
Portland already has players who put up gaudy numbers with Avdija, Sharpe, and Grant. With Cissoko, the Blazers have an energetic player who will do what he can to help the team.
SIDY + 1. pic.twitter.com/UziyXjEsxo
— Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) December 12, 2025
Of course, he can still chip in with some production, as shown with his recent 20-point game against the Pelicans. However, defense and hustle are probably his biggest strengths at the moment.
Cissoko knows his role, and that has paid dividends within Splitter’s coaching style. The Brazilian coach wants players to do the dirty work while others handle the offense. With Cissoko, he has a player who will not make any complaints because he does everything to win games.
Blazers fans have also seen he can plug up the gaps. Cissoko is a decent ball-handler, so he can help guards bring the ball up. He sets good off-ball screens, which could boost Portland’s offense.
Cissoko’s Performances Are Promising For Portland
Cissoko is not the first player who will pop out for people watching the Blazers. Thankfully, the fans and the Blazers organization know how much Cissoko is contributing.
Portland loves that type of player, as seen with the past appreciation for players like Joel Pryzbilla. Now, Cissoko is not only garnering attention from fans, but he is also getting love from everyone.
Defense is a big part of why he has earned minutes. In the games Portland played without Grant and Sharpe, Cissoko became a starter. He even leapfrogged Kris Murray at times, who is also a decent, hard-working wing.
Introducing… a new defensive tradition
Tiago Splitter explains how the best defensive player each night will put their name in THE BOX.
Sidy starts us off tonight
pic.twitter.com/mJ5ti1FvDR
— Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) December 15, 2025
With his recent performances, Cissoko could be a long-term piece for the Blazers. He is still on a two-way contract, but people should expect that to turn into a regular contract. That could come because of a trade or more roster changes come the offseason.
As long as he contributes with good energy, decent defense, and solid connective play, he has a spot. The Blazers will reward this kind of run, especially with how he fits in with the young core.
Splitter’s Coaching Shows He Can Develop Players
Splitter is well into his role as the acting head coach. He took over after Chauncey Billups became involved in a huge controversy. The Brazilian has taken to coaching like a fish to water.
He has done well to encourage his players to perform at their peak. Grant looks refreshed after a horrible 2024-25 campaign. He is now one of Portland’s most important players again, especially on offense.
Avdija and Sharpe are playing extremely well, as they look like building blocks for Portland. With Cissoko, Splitter has found a Swiss army knife type of player. This is a good sign for this Blazers story because Splitter is helping players develop further.
Cissoko is not the only beneficiary because Murray, Caleb Love, and Donovan Clingan are all playing well. Under a new head coach, developing young players like these is key to the long-term future.
Featured Image: Robert Edwards-Imagn Images
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