Quin Snyder Raves Over Current Cavs Veteran, Former Jazz Player

Atlanta Hawks head coach Quin Snyder spent many years with Cleveland Cavaliers forward Georges Niang when both were with the Utah Jazz.

If there's anybody who understands and appreciates what Cleveland Cavaliers veteran Georges Niang brings to a locker room, it's Atlanta Hawks head coach Quin Snyder.

The two became close during their time with the Utah Jazz from 2017-2021, establishing a great player-coach relationship in addition to a friendship away from the court.

"Georges and I have had some fond and funny moments and memories," Snyder said Tuesday before the Hawks' game vs. the Cavs. "I think part of what makes him unique is the combination of his sincerity and his sense of humor. He's an authentic person. In this profession — as important as the X's and O's, a lot of things that you try to do as a coach to help your team —when you see a player evolve and develop and have success, it's rewarding to even play a small role in that. 

"He's always had a great feel for the game. He got even more aggressive shooting the ball. It's fun to see guys like that succeed. I'm not surprised that he's having that impact. He can be very honest and clear, and he's smart. He also has great timing when a team needs something."

Dec 2, 2023; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Georges Niang (20) moves the ball up court as Detroit Pistons forward Ausar Thompson (9) defends during the first half at Little Caesars Arena / David Reginek-USA TODAY Sports

Snyder went on to discuss how critical it is to have a player like Niang in a vocal leadership role — almost like a coach — by using his experiences and knowledge to better his teammates.

"It's huge. I think [with] the best teams, there's a limit to what you can do as a coach," Snyder said. "I think the key is you're on the same page, and you have that communication. They may say, in some respects, the same thing that you would like to say, but they say it in a different way where either it's more palatable or players understand it more or they remember it more.

"So to have players that are able not just to translate, but then to provide their perspective that's unique. He's someone that does that in a lot of ways."

Hawks head coach Quin Snyder shares his thoughts on #Cavs forward Georges Niang from their time together with the Jazz and how uniquely he connects with people. pic.twitter.com/27zqrvydSh

— Spencer Davies (@SpinDavies) November 28, 2023

Niang's on-court impact has been big as of late too. Over the last 11 games, the veteran forward is averaging just under 11 points per game and shooting 43.8 percent from long distance.