Blazers are betting big on Sidy Cissoko to carry a thin wing rotation

Rip City Project's Reese Kunz argues that the Portland Trail Blazers are relying heavily on 22-year-old wing Sidy Cissoko after experiencing significant roster turnover at the wing position. Portland traded Jerami Grant and Kris Murray to the Memphis Grizzlies for Ja Morant, while Matisse Thybulle departed in free agency for the Los Angeles Lakers. General manager Joe Cronin opted not to directly replace these departures due to confidence in the existing group.

Kunz highlights Cissoko as an overlooked talent who earned 26 starts and converted a two-way deal into a standard contract. Despite shooting just 29.8 percent from three-point range last season, Kunz believes Cissoko is poised for an expanded 3-and-D role alongside Toumani Camara, Deni Avdija, and Vit Krejci as the Blazers pursue playoff aspirations.