Utah Jazz ink Georges Niang to two-way deal, waive Naz Long
By Ryan Aston
The Utah Jazz continue to utilize two-way contracts, waiving Naz Long to make Georges Niang their next two-way player.
After just one game, Naz Long’s Utah Jazz career has come to an end. Long’s loss appears to be his former teammate’s gain, however.
Per an announcement from the team on Sunday, the Jazz have signed forward Georges Niang to a two-way contract. Long was waived to clear a roster spot for Niang, who played with him at Iowa State.
The 24-year-old Niang has spent his 2017-18 season with the G-League’s Santa Cruz Warriors. He’s undoubtedly been one of the developmental league’s standouts; through 26 games played, he’s averaging 18 points, nearly seven boards and five assists per contest. He’s also posting a healthy 55-42-83 shooting split.
After teaming with Long to lead the Cyclones to multiple NCAA tournament berths, Niang was selected by the Indiana Pacers in the second round of the 2016 NBA Draft. Despite being through two NBA training camps (one with Indiana, one with the Golden State Warriors), he’s yet to see action in a regular season game.
Niang joins big man Erik McCree as one of Utah’s two-way players. He’ll split time between the Jazz and their affiliate club, the Salt Lake City Stars. He can spend up to 45 days on the main roster.
Long, meanwhile, will reportedly re-join the Stars as a G-Leaguer if he clears waivers.
I am told Naz Mitrou-Long is expected to return to the Salt Lake City Stars if he clears waivers
— Eric Walden (@tribjazz) January 14, 2018
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His only action with the Jazz came on December 26 against the Denver Nuggets. Long played one minute during garbage time in the blowout loss, hitting a 3-point shot. He also managed to bump heads with former Jazzman Trey Lyles and required nine stitches after the game.
Talk about an eventful one-minute tenure with a team.
The Jazz will be back in action on Monday night against the Pacers. Tip-off from Vivint Smart Home Arena is at 7 pm MT.