“This role suits me perfectly”

Several seasons have passed since then Sidi Cissoko he is waiting for his chance. bearer of two-way contract» with BlazersThe Frenchman started the season outside the rotation of Chauncey Billups, then Thiago Splitter, but numerous injuries forced the Brazilian coach to give him a chance.

And while he just played eight games with more than ten minutes played, last night against the Warriors, former Spurs was key to his team’s success. Not only by setting his new record for points in a game (15), but also playing just the point guard role he enjoys.

After this sudden victory at Golden StateBasketball USA returned with him to this occasion, his role, but also the affair of Chauncey Billups and interim managed by Tiago Splitter.

Sidi, you have been playing since the beginning of the month with a role that has evolved. How do you adapt to this situation and how do you take advantage of this opportunity?

We have been unlucky since the beginning of the season. We have a lot of injuries, but everyone is ready to play, everyone is ready to sacrifice for the team. Even before we lost Chauncey (Billups), the staff was very clear about my role, no matter what position I played. I’m here to bring rhythm, to be aggressive on both sides of the court.

Is this “connector” role a way to permanently establish yourself in the NBA?

Always, always… The goal is to win. So even if I don’t have to shoot or just pass to win in the end, it doesn’t bother me at all. Personally, I think this role suits me very well and it’s nice to be on the field and be able to give my all for the team.

Is it hard to understand that in order to last in the NBA, maybe you don’t have to score points, but do everything else?

Yes and no. We all want to score points. It’s the NBA, everyone wants to score, but I’m more focused on the bottom line. My goal is not to score points for the sake of scoring points. My goal is to help the team win games so we can make the playoffs. I just want to win as many games as possible with a great NBA career.

Regardless of who is on the court, we can be sure that the Blazers will play hard.

Always. It is our identity.

That’s what made the difference tonight. How did you build this identity?

Chauncey (Billups) has done a good job with the whole group during training camp and the preseason. Even during the summer, that was all we talked about. And then Thiago (Splitter) managed to take over and so far he has been outstanding in difficult circumstances. We know that our success depends on our aggressiveness and then we are not afraid of anyone.

Spurs connection

Can you describe your day on October 23rd when you found out the arrest of Chauncey Billups ?

We immediately thought of his family. We saw that he left the court with his family, and we are with them, thinking of them. We all know them and it hurts. On the other hand, we also know that we have to remain professional because the season does not end and the opponents will not do us any favors. We were all surprised, but we didn’t have time to give in to emotions. The next day we had a game, and we didn’t have time to feel sorry for ourselves.

Tiago Splitter therefore took over. What kind of coach is he?

To me, he is a genius! He had a wonderful career in Spain in the Basque Country and obviously in the NBA. He has an encyclopedic knowledge of basketball, he was an NBA champion. Plus, he’s coming off the back of winning the French championship with Paris Basket, so we know he’s someone competent.

There is a connection between Spurs and Paris and France. Did that make it easier for you to agree?

You know, when you look at the NBA teams, all the franchises have former Spurs employees. We really appreciate the tremendous work that Gregg Popovich has done. He is truly a master and has students all over the NBA. Thiago, I knew him since I was in Spain. He is a legend, he is a great player. And despite the circumstances, he helped us keep looking forward.

Comments collected in San Francisco.

Two-way contract : Designed to create a new bridge between the NBA and the G-League, this type of contract allows each team to secure the services of two or three additional players, to play with them mainly in their affiliate development league franchise, but also for up to 50 games in the NBA.