Cavs Already Feeling The Georges Niang Effect
The Cleveland Cavaliers didn't sit on the sideline during the offseason's free agency period. Their front office identified the team's weaknesses and created a plan to address them for the upcoming season.
Part of that goal was to add in the frontcourt and bring in more three-point shooting to a team that desperately needed it. Cleveland checked off both of those boxes by signing Georges Niang on a three-year deal.
The Cavs have now played two preseason games and are under two weeks away from the opening night, but Niang's effect on the floor is already being felt.
Cleveland's newest forward has played both preseason games averaging 17.5 minutes in them. Niang is only averaging 6.0 points in those appearances, but how much he scores won't be the difference maker. It's the efficiency with which he's making his shots that will turn him into a threat on the floor.
Niang has shot 44 percent from behind the arc on 4.5 attempts a game in the preseason and the idea of him shooting the ball is what will force opposing defenses to keep a man on him.
Oct 12, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Georges Niang (20) celebrates after hitting a three point basket during the first half against the Orlando Magic at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
© Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
As a result, this should open up the lanes to allow Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland to drive or opportunities for other players to cut to the basket. Having two elite players who can drive is great, but Cleveland struggled last season with how much the paint was clogged up.
J.B. Bickerstaff said after Thursday night's game, "We want our offense to start with penetration" and Niang's presence is already allowing the team to do that.
