PORTLAND, Ore. — Trail Blazers two-way forward Sidy Cissoko logged his 50th NBA appearance of the season in Thursday’s road win over Utah, triggering the league’s cap on active games for two-way players and compelling Portland to decide whether to elevate him to a standard contract.
The 22-year-old started for the 24th time and played 30 minutes against the Jazz. Under NBA rules, he is now ineligible to dress again until the Blazers convert his deal or open a 15-man roster spot by waiving a player. Portland’s other prominent two-way contributor, guard Caleb Love, sits at 45 active games, meaning a second cut would be required if the club chooses to promote both players. Forwards Rayan Rupert and Matisse Thybulle have been floated as potential odd men out, though no decisions have been finalized.
Other Two-Way Players at the Limit
Cissoko joins Denver forward Spencer Jones, Minnesota guard Johnny Juzang and Philadelphia forward Jabari Walker as two-way players who have already hit the 50-game threshold. Jones has become a rotation regular for the Nuggets, who have two open roster spots and can convert him without waiving anyone once he clears concussion protocol. Juzang, by contrast, has appeared in only 21 of his 50 active games, making his promotion less urgent for the Timberwolves.
Houston guard JD Davison is five games shy of the cap, while Dallas guards Ryan Nembhard (six remaining) and center Moussa Cisse (eight), Washington big man Tristan Vukcevic (nine), New Orleans guard Bryce McGowens (nine) and Phoenix guard Jamaree Bouyea (10) are also approaching the limit.
Alternative Paths
Teams are not required to convert two-way players who max out their active games. Last week Oklahoma City waived guard Chris Youngblood after he reached his limit, allowing him to seek opportunities elsewhere before season’s end.
NBA play resumes league-wide next week following the All-Star break, leaving front offices a short window to finalize decisions on their two-way contributors.
Source: Hoops Rumors
