Disappointment #2 – The lackluster play of Georges Niang
A big contributor to the Jazz reaching their potential in 2019-20 was certain to be their internal development coupled alongside the arrival of the newcomers. So far, Donovan Mitchell and Royce O’Neale have led the charge as returning players that are showing significant improvements from a year ago, and it’s been a pleasure to see.
However, I likewise was quite vocal in my projections that another certain Jazzman would be in for a big year where he took massive strides over the summer and played a big role for Utah. The player I speak of is Georges Niang, but unfortunately, thus far he has done the opposite of prove me right for putting such high faith in him.
It’s been a rough start for Niang who is shooting a measly 30.8 percent from deep, an area that figures to be one of his strong suits. To his credit, he is at a solid 47.4 percent from the field, but with only 0.7 two-point attempts per game, that figure is a bit misleading.
But more than anything, lineups featuring Georges just haven’t been good so far this year. I’ve always respected Niang’s hustle and energy, but thus far on the year, that hasn’t translated to meaningful impact. His defensive rating is a decent 99.4, though it should be pointed out that that figure is third-worst on the team among players who have logged significant minutes.
But his lack of offensive impact has been even more noteworthy as his offensive rating is a meager 82.7, leading to a net rating of -16.7, both of which are the worst marks on the team among players who have played significant minutes. The Jazz aren’t depending all that heavily on Niang in order to be a championship-contending team, but he still possesses skills that, if maximized, can help them in their pursuit, so it’s reasonable to hope for more out of him.
Although he’s struggled so far, though, I’m still bullish on his prospect of putting together a solid 2019-20 campaign. He has the work ethic and determination to fill his role well, and I imagine once he settles in a little better with the new faces surrounding him and finds his shot from deep, he’ll begin to significantly rectify some of the issues he’s had in the early part of the year.
It’s been a lackluster start for Niang thus far. But with only 10 games under his belt this season, there’s plenty of time for him to right the ship.