Spurs’ Gregg Popovich on Sidy Cissoko: ‘I want him to get as many minutes as possible’

San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said on Thursday that the team wants rookie Sidy Cissoko to play as much as possible in the G League over the remainder of the season.

Cissoko has appeared in only five games with the Spurs and has spent most of the season on assignment with Austin. He and the team agreed that he’d be in the G League for the majority of the year to continue his development and improve his skill set.

The Spurs recalled Cissoko from the G League on Thursday after helping Austin to a win over the South Bay Lakers. With Austin off until Wednesday, Cissoko will likely stay in San Antonio.

Popovich explained the immediate plan for him.

“He is getting minutes with the G League,” Popovich said. “I want him to get as many minutes as possible. He is doing the best he can and trying to figure out what kind of player he is going to be, just like everybody else in the G League.”

Cissoko is averaging 11.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.2 blocks and one steal on 43.7% shooting from the field in 21 games with Austin. He has registered two 20-point games, including a season-high 22 points and nine rebounds on Dec. 28.

The Spurs have utilized their G League affiliate extensively in previous years. Keldon Johnson, Blake Wesley, Malaki Branham and Tre Jones each spent time in Austin and found success there, and Cissoko is looking to follow in their footsteps.

The organization is high on Cissoko and believes he has a bright future. With one month left in the regular season in the G League, the team will be looking to get him on the court as much as possible.

Story originally appeared on Rookie Wire