Spurs Summer League: Grading every player to log minutes in Game 1

Sidy Cissoko

With Victor Wembanyama not playing in the California Classic, Sidy Cissoko had all eyes on him as fans were excited to see what the 6'8 French professional could do in the Summer League. Some may have been disappointed by the offensive output, but, unfortunately, he did not draw any ball-handling assignments, nor was he the focal point of the scoring by design. In his first game, the Spurs seemed to be more interested in seeing if he could play in the flow of the team without the ball. He could.

Cissoko's showed an understanding of the offense as he continuously kept the ball moving, making the extra pass and relocating to the open space on the floor as the motion flowed. He guarded Brandon Miller well early in the game and disrupted the Hornets' offense at the rim, contesting shots. Showing off a feathery touch from the line, Cissoko went 3-4 at the stripe for his three points for the game. The four fouls he accumulated are something to work on, but he showed poise and an understanding of where to be at all times. Impressive work for a 19-year-old.

Grade: B+

Julian Champagnie

Julian Champagnie has clearly been putting in massive work in the offseason and was itching to show it off when the refs said "go!" His motor ran as hot as Dominic Toretto's Dodge Charger after a bank heist in Rio de Janeiro. His aggression was matched by his efficiency going 45% from the field and 42% from three. The man was infuego early in the 1st quarter and carried that flame to the end of his night.

Despite his 100-mile-an-hour night, he was under control and poised, showing decisiveness with each touch. Fans should be excited to see more of what Champagnie has to offer. A solid and deep guard rotation is important to success in the NBA. The best teams have depth and those players can affect the game at a high level. Champagnie has thrown his hat in the ring as one who may at some point be as good as a 6th or 7th man on a playoff team. A stellar performance from the second-year guard, who also protected the ball with zero turnovers.

Grade: A+