Utah Jazz first-quarter grades: Derrick Favors leads crowded PF spot

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SALT LAKE CITY, UT – OCTOBER 05: Georges Niang #31 of the Utah Jazz brings the ball up court in a preseason NBA game against the Adelaide 36ers at Vivint Smart Home Arena on October 5, 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. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images) /

Georges Niang

I’ve got to be honest, I’m a big-time Georges Niang fan. I simply love his story about falling out of the NBA and fighting his way back to earn a spot with the Jazz. Not only that, but he plays with a passion and energy that are undeniable. Effectiveness aside, you can always rely one hundred percent on Niang coming in and giving his all.

Some believed that he’d have a hard time getting off the end of the bench, instead he’s been a part of the rotation from nearly day one. And in his playing time, he’s had some great moments. He’s currently Utah’s second-leading 3-point shooter at 37.5 percent, trailing only Joe Ingles. He was even more prolific from distance earlier in the year and I truly think he can raise that number closer to his incredible G-League marks.

The shooting and the hustle are there one hundred percent, but Niang certainly isn’t a strong suit on defense. He’s only slightly better than Sefolosha in terms of plus/minus and is dead last on the team in defensive rating at 113.8.

All told, though, I think it’s fair to say that Niang has lived up to and probably surpassed expectations. He’s played more than expected and filled his role well as a third-string power forward. As such, it’s hard to be overly tough on him, and you have to be happy with the shooting void he’s filled and the energy he always brings. I’m giving Niang decent marks for his efforts thus far.

First-quarter grade: B-

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