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Utah Jazz ’17-18 Review: Georges Niang shines in the G-League

By Jared Woodcox

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - JANUARY 20: Georges Niang #31 of the Utah Jazz looks on during the game against the Golden State Warriors at vivint.SmartHome Arena on January 20, 2018 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - JANUARY 20: Georges Niang #31 of the Utah Jazz looks on during the game against the Golden State Warriors at vivint.SmartHome Arena on January 20, 2018 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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 Georges Niang didn’t log much playing time for the Utah Jazz, but he was a force to be reckoned during his time in the G-League.

On January 14, the Utah Jazz signed former Iowa State Cyclone and Indiana Pacers draft pick Georges Niang to a two-way contract. Niang previously had been playing in the G-League with the Santa Cruz Warriors before being brought over by the Jazz.

Niang didn’t get a ton of opportunity with the Jazz. In fact, he appeared in just nine games in a Utah uniform, all of which came in garbage time. He averaged just 3.5 minutes in those contests while notching one point, one rebound and shooting just 36.4 percent.

However, where Niang truly shined was in the G-League where he played extended minutes and had a chance to thrive. In 41 games played with both the Santa Cruz Warriors and Salt Lake City Stars, Niang put up an impressive line of 19.7 points per game on 57 percent shooting from the field and 45.7 percent from deep. He also added 6.7 rebounds, 4.3 assists and over a steal per game.

He was even more impressive during his time with the Stars as over the course of 15 games, he put up 22 points per contest on 60.6 percent from the field and 52.7 percent from deep to go along with 6.8 rebounds and 3.4 assists. Regardless of the lower level of competition in the G-League versus the NBA, Niang’s shooting splits were astounding.

His impressive G-League play was enough to earn him recognition on the All-NBA G-League First Team. Per the Deseret News, Georges had the following to say about the nod:

"“Obviously it’s pretty cool to be highly thought of enough to be voted to the first team and I am thankful for my teammates and coaches because none of this would have been possible without them being a part of my everyday journey in the G League. It started in Santa Cruz with the great organization that they have and finished up in Salt Lake City and I couldn’t be more thankful to have such a warm welcome into the Stars and Utah Jazz organization.”"

Niang’s future may not ultimately be with the Utah Jazz long term, but he certainly showed his potential by dominating the G-League and receiving first team honors. If he is able to continue to develop and improve on his skills, he could very well turn into a crafty and versatile role player for a good NBA team.

Regardless of whether or not that ends up being with the Jazz, Niang was obviously very pleased with his time spent in Salt Lake City as he had nothing but praise for the Jazz organization in his exit interview, particularly giving a nod to how each and every player is highly valued. Not to mention, he always had some of the most entertaining celebrations while on the bench, making him a fun part of the team even when he wasn’t in action.

https://twitter.com/utahjazz/status/994297915475611648

Next: Utah Jazz: Donovan Mitchell stars (sort of) in latest Game of Zones

Niang’s G-League play was absolutely sensational and I hope to see him further develop his skills so that he can find his way into greater opportunities in the NBA, be it with the Jazz or another team.

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