3 second-round picks from the 2023 NBA Draft who could play big minutes
By Kyle Delaney
Everyone is focused on the top picks from the 2023 NBA Draft but these second-round picks could have a big impact, playing meaningful minutes as rookies.
Several of the league’s top athletes were selected in the second round of the draft. For example, Nikola Jokic was a second-rounder. He was selected with the No. 41 overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft. He was literally drafted during a Taco Bell commercial. Not bad for the reigning NBA champion and a two-time MVP.
With the NBA Draft and Summer League officially behind us, it’s officially time for basketball fans to slowly lose their minds more and more every day. That is until late September rolls around and training camp officially starts. So, to prepare for the start of the 2023-24 NBA season, here are some second-rounders poised to make a major impact on their teams.
NBA second-round picks who could play big minutes: 3. Sidy Cissoko, Spurs
The Spurs took Sidy Cissoko with the No. 44 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. As a member of the G League Ignite, Sidy Cissoko averaged 12.8 points, 3.5 assists, 2.8 rebounds, 1.2 steals, and 1.0 blocks per game.
Sidy Cissoko is a 6-foot-8 wing that defends both guards and forwards equally. His ability to guard positions 1-4 puts him in elite company among NBA defenders and is what initially piqued plenty of teams’ interest. However, Cissoko is much more than just a defender.
As we witnessed during this Summer League, Cissoko’s athleticism makes him a menace in transition. With natural passing instincts and vision, he’s not a primary scorer, but he will impact the offense by making the right reads as he is very comfortable with the ball in his hands.
With all the focus geared toward Wembenyama, it’s likely Cissoko’s game sneaks up and surprise a bunch of teams. For San Antonio, Cissoko will be a valuable depth piece.