This NBA offseason has been full of reunions, most notably, Damian Lillard re-joining the Portland Trail Blazers. As it turns out, the Utah Jazz got in on the fun, as they have brought back Georges Niang for the measly price of RJ Luis Jr. Some may roll their eyes at this move, but it turns out the Jazz aren't bringing Niang back for sentimental purposes, but also for veteran leadership.
The Athletic's Tony Jones confirmed that Utah brought Niang back for his veteran presence. Not only that, but Niang has welcomed his reunion with Utah.
The Jazz are trading for Niang to have him play and add a veteran presence to their young core. The two sides have spoken, sources say, and Niang is happy and excited to be back in Utah
— Tony Jones (@Tjonesonthenba) August 5, 2025
Niang has developed a reputation for being a good veteran presence for winning teams. That extends past his time with the Jazz, as he was a rotation player for the Philadelphia 76ers and Cleveland Cavaliers during their playoff runs from 2022 to 2024.
Even though Utah has parted ways with its experienced veterans this offseason, they haven't made their roster entirely about the youth. The Jazz definitely have some exciting young talent, but that can be all for nothing if they are not developed properly. While they should get more than enough time to figure themselves out, having a veteran presence like Niang could be instrumental in them reaching their potential.
Niang's story with the Jazz is a good template for them to follow. Niang's NBA career was hanging by a thread when Utah brought him in in 2018. From there, Niang developed into one of the NBA's best three-point snipers and became a rotation player on multiple Jazz playoff teams.
He is a fantastic example of someone who worked his way from the ground up to become the player he is. With that example in the locker room, the Jazz's youngsters could learn a lot from him.
Niang isn't the only veteran presence in the locker room
Bringing Niang back may have been about bringing a solid veterance presence to the roster, but he isn't the only Jazzman who was brought in to influence the youngster. After the Jazz acquired him for Collin Sexton, Jusuf Nurkic revealed during his introductory press conference that he believes he too can show their young talent the ropes of bring a pro.
One may ask why Utah got rid of the trio of Collin Sexton, Jordan Clarkson, and John Collins in the first place if their plan was to have a few veteran presences in the locker room. The answer to that is actually pretty simple.
The talent difference between the three veterans they parted ways with this offseason and the two they acquired is pretty substantial. Nurkic and Niang will likely see time, but won't demand as much as Sexton, Clarkson, or Collins.
They can be those veteran presences without limiting the time of their young players (or Lauri Markkanen), so the Jazz can have it both ways this season. It's not guaranteed if Niang or Nurkic will be with the Jazz all season or past this season, but Utah cleverly added some nice voices who may only further assist in the youth movement.