Sidy Cissoko may have finally made the leap Blazers fans have been longing for

Writer Orel Dizon argues that Portland Trail Blazers wing Sidy Cissoko is showing significant offensive growth to complement his established defensive skills early in the 2026-27 NBA season. Head coach Micah Nori has trusted the French youngster with substantial playing time, featuring him as the second player off the bench behind Jrue Holiday in Portland's first two games against the Phoenix Suns and Sacramento Kings.

Dizon highlights Cissoko's improved perimeter shooting, ball-handling, and fast-break play, while noting his defensive versatility to guard multiple positions. Although acknowledging that the two-game sample size is small, the writer believes Cissoko provides the Blazers with a unique and indispensable 3-and-D rotation presence if he can sustain this leap.