Georges Niang Reflects on Positive Run With 76ers
The Philadelphia 76ers have quite a few role players set to hit the free agency market this offseason. The most prominent name expected to hit the open market is the ten-time All-Star guard James Harden. Although Harden has a player option attached to his contract, he’s reportedly expected to decline it and test the free agency waters.
Another notable name that’s set to hit free agency is the Sixers’ reserve sharpshooter, Georges Niang.
Two summers ago, the Sixers brought in Niang after he had a multi-year run with the Utah Jazz. As the Sixers wanted to upgrade their three-point shooting, Niang was a solid candidate to bring in, as he inked a two-year deal worth $6.7 million.
Following the 2023 playoff run, Niang acknowledged that he’d go through another free agency period seeking out a new contract with or without the 76ers. However, the veteran forward expressed interest in returning to Philadelphia, according to Ky Carlin of Sixers Wire.
“Obviously, I love it here in Philly,” Niang said. “Like I said, I haven’t really wrapped my head around everything, but I really enjoyed being here and the guys, the camaraderie, the organization, it’s been amazing.
”I’m super thankful that they’ve always welcomed me, the fans have welcomed me, and I don’t know what the summer holds,” Niang finished. “I’m not a future teller, but it’s gonna come and we’ll find out.”
During Niang’s first season in Philadelphia, he averaged 23 minutes on the court in 76 games. Niang put up nine points per game while knocking down 40 percent of his threes on five attempts per game.
In the 2022-2023 regular season, Niang appeared in 78 games. With his playing time slightly decreasing to an average of 19 minutes, Niang’s offensive production dropped slightly as he averaged eight points while hitting on 40 percent of his threes, taking 4.9 attempts per game.
Niang has proven to be one of the Sixers’ most reliable reserves in the regular season due to his consistent three-point shooting. However, unfavorable defensive matchups in the playoffs caused Niang to see fewer minutes with the Sixers during both postseason runs.
Last year, Niang averaged 17 minutes on the court. He put up five points per game while shooting 37 percent from deep in 12 games.
This season, Niang spent 14 minutes on the court while averaging four points. Niang’s three-point percentage boosted to 46 percent from deep in 11 playoff games this year, but Doc Rivers and the Sixers found it hard to utilize the forward during the most important game of the playoff run.
In Game 7 against the Boston Celtics, Niang saw the court for under four minutes. While many factors played into the Sixers’ 24-point loss, which eliminated them from the NBA Playoffs, Niang’s final act during the 2022-2023 season didn’t do him any favors going into the offseason.
Fortunately for Niang, one game won’t make or break his ability to acquire a favorable contract, whether it’s with or without the 76ers. While Niang made it clear he would like to continue spending time in Philadelphia, it’s unclear which direction the 76ers will take.
