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Utah Jazz: Georges Niang deserves an NBA roster spot

By Jared Woodcox

LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 7: Georges Niang #31 of the Utah Jazz handles the ball against the Portland Trail Blazers during the 2018 Las Vegas Summer League on July 7, 2018 at the Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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 David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 7: Georges Niang #31 of the Utah Jazz handles the ball against the Portland Trail Blazers during the 2018 Las Vegas Summer League on July 7, 2018 at the Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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 David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Based on his body of work last season and in Summer League thus far, Utah Jazz standout Georges Niang undoubtedly deserves an NBA roster spot.

When the Utah Jazz opted to waive Jonas Jerebko earlier this week, speculation ran rampant among Jazz fans regarding what the organization could be up to with the additional roster spot such a move would create. Could the Jazz be in pursuit of an intriguing free agent? Could they have their eyes on someone that they could sign using the mid-level exception?

Or, in what would be a more conservative approach, were they opening up an official spot for someone who already has ties to the team such as Georges Niang?

Whether that final option will ultimately be the case or not remains to be seen. However, one thing is for certain – Georges Niang has proven his worth and is absolutely deserving of a roster spot on an NBA team. Considering how well he played for the Salt Lake City Stars and continues to play in Summer League, ideally he’ll receive said spot with the Utah Jazz.

Niang largely flew under the radar last season, even among Jazz fans, due to the fact that he was on a two-way contract and didn’t receive a ton of hype. However, his numbers while playing with the Salt Lake City Stars were nothing short of mind-blowing.

In 15 games played with the Stars, Niang put up 22 points per contest on 60.6 percent shooting from the field and a scintillating 52.7 percent from deep. The six-foot-eight forward further showcased his versatility by adding 6.8 rebounds, 3.4 assists and a steal per contest. The cherry on top was his free throw percentage of 91.7 percent.

I don’t care what kind of competition you’re going against, those numbers and that kind of efficiency are incredible.

And it appears that Utah’s renowned development program is once again proving its worth as Niang has looked just as formidable while playing for the Jazz in this year’s Summer League. He was one of the best players in Utah Summer League as he put up 16.7 points per game on 53 percent shooting from the field and 50 percent shooting from deep.

In two games thus far in Las Vegas Summer League, Niang has continued to impress. He’s averaging 16 points per contest while continuing to scorch the nets by going 50 percent from the field and 44 percent from long range. Most recently in Sunday’s contest against the New York Knicks, Niang went off for 20 points on 8-of-13 (61.5 percent) shooting from the field and 2-of-4 (50 percent) from behind the arc.

The Jazz have long been in search of a versatile, playmaking stretch-four. Perhaps the guy they’ve been looking for is currently right under their noses. Niang is a crafty forward who makes up for his lack of athleticism by being a smart player with a great shooting touch. He hits open shots reliably and has a versatile offensive game that allows him to score in a variety of ways.

Not only that, but he seems to be infused with Jazz DNA. Niang is one of those guys who plays with heart, makes the hustle plays and does all the little things to help make a team better. He’s been Utah’s best player in Summer League and one of the best among the young players across The Association.

Some may scoff and say that his play couldn’t possibly transfer over against real NBA competition. But to that I say, take a look at Royce O’Neale this past season. He qualified for a roster spot with the Jazz by the skin of his teeth yet has developed into a bona fide rotation player. He played a key role throughout the regular season and into the playoffs as an elite defensive player and an improving offensive weapon.

As such, who’s to say that Niang couldn’t follow a similar path? He’s been on the outside looking in for much of his NBA career, but he’s slowly but surely starting to carve out a nice niche for himself. His tools and skills look very much NBA-ready, and if he can keep up even a semblance of his G-League and Summer League play, he could be an absolute asset to this Jazz team in the 2018-19 season as a prolific stretch-four option.

Next: Report: Ekpe Udoh will be back with the Utah Jazz next season

There’s a long ways to go between now and the start of the regular season, by which time the Utah Jazz will need to have their 15-man roster finalized. However, Georges Niang thus far has gone above and beyond the call of duty to absolutely prove that he merits the chance to officially be on an NBA roster.

After letting Jerebko walk, the Jazz have an open spot. I have high hopes that they’re keeping that spot open precisely for Niang. He’s worked his tail off and has shown beyond a shadow of a doubt that he’s deserving of the opportunity.

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