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It’s taken a few stops along the way, but Georges Niang deserves his time in the NBA, and the Jazz need to look seriously into it.
Niang has been on the Jazz’s roster as a two-way option for the club, spending time both with the Jazz and their G-League affiliate, the Salt Lake City Stars. Where last season he played 15 games while averaging 22 points per game and shooting 60% from the field. Though the competition may not be up to NBA level, those kind of numbers make a person’s head turn. Niang has the attention of summer league coach Alex Jensen;
Jazz Summer League head coach Alex Jensen on Georges Niang: “He’s an NBA roster player for sure."
— Eric Woodyard (@E_Woodyard) July 9, 2018
Niang agreed with his summer league coach after Sundays win over the Knicks in summer league action.
.@GeorgesNiang20 after the Jazz beat the Knicks 90-85. pic.twitter.com/7uZJsW04B9
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) July 9, 2018
Niang has been on fire to start summer league action. Averaging over 16 points a game, shooting over 50% from the field as well as from 3pt range. On Sunday Niang led all scorers with 20 points and even made a huge block on Knicks first round pick Kevin Knox. Niang appears to be in the best physical condition on his career, even showing ability to beat defenders off the bounce and get to the basket with ease.
Georges Niang led the charge for the @utahjazz tonight, leading all scorers with 20 PTS!#NBASummer pic.twitter.com/4EcmXebvvU
— NBA (@NBA) July 9, 2018
This past week, the Jazz waived forward Jonas Jerebko, causing speculation the club may use the roster spot for Niang. Call me a Cyclone homer if you want, but the Jazz like versatile players, and Niang certainly can provide that for them.
Niang will only prove he deserves the roster spot. With plenty of time before the start of the season, I only hope the Jazz see the same thing we do.