Cavs Opinion: Don't Forget About Georges Niang

Georges Niang is finding his role on the Cleveland Cavaliers while being a valuable veteran presence.

The Cleveland Cavaliers reconstructed their roster last offseason focusing on three-point shooting and increasing their front-court depth. This led Koby Altman and company to sign Georges Niang to a two-year deal.

This may not have been a high-profile or league-altering signing, but don't forget about the effect that he can have on an offense. 

Niang has especially excelled as the trailer in transition and as a spot-up shooter. 52.8% of his threes come when taking zero dribbles and Niang is shooting 35.8% on those shots. 

Oct 12, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Georges Niang (20) reacts 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

This is exactly what Cleveland was missing from their offense last season and what they had envisioned when they signed Niang over the summer.  

The last five games have been especially impressive for Niang. He's averaging 11.2 points per game, and 4.2 rebounds all while shooting 42% from the floor and 46% from behind the arc on 5.2 attempts a night.

Something else that makes Niang an important member of this team is his locker room presence and positive mindset. He had this reputation before coming over to the Cavs and has lived up to it.

Niang stayed positive after Cleveland's lopsided loss to the Miami Heat last week. The mental side of sports is so very important.

The purpose of all of this is to show that it doesn't matter if a player isn't scoring 20 points a night or making highlight plays for viral online posts. Every team needs a player such as Georges Niang and the Cavaliers are lucky they have him.