Sixers news: Georges Niang signs two-year contract

Another domino has fallen in the Sixers‘ subdued free agency period, this time with the signing of 28-year-old Georges Niang. Having spent his entire five-year career in Utah, Niang joins Philadelphia as one of the NBA’s most efficient 3-point shooters. His contract, according to Ben Dowsett of Jazz Film Room, is for two years, $6.7 million.

Per Kyle Neubeck of PhillyVoice, Niang was signed with part of the Sixers’ non-taxpayer’s mid-level exception. That is notable, as it could foreshadow the departure of Danny Green, who seems likely to jump ship.

Niang is the heir apparent to the Mike Scott role — a defensively-limited stretch four who has no shortage of confidence from deep. Unlike Scott, however, Niang is a legitimately good shooter, hitting 42.5 percent of his 4.1 attempts per game from 3-point range last season. He is a career 40.4 percent shooter from distance.

The Sixers add another shooter in free agency with the signing of Georges Niang.

Philadelphia’s best offense has historically been putting shooters around Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons. Niang is good enough to earn a rotation spot, especially in lieu of George Hill’s departure. Doc Rivers likes to go 10-deep, and neither Shake Milton nor Jaden Springer are locks to assume that 10th spot.

Rivers was quick to play Scott last season, even when the veteran forward was blatantly incapable of reliable production. Niang will have no such shortcomings. He cannot defend very well, and he’s not going to give you much off the dribble, but he can consistently hit 3s at a very healthy clip. That will give him utility in Rivers’ offense.

At the price of roughly $3.3 million per season, Niang should easily live up to his contract. That also leaves the Sixers with part of the $9.5 million mid-level exception left to spend. Given the uncertainty over Danny Green, and the increasingly high chance that Philadelphia is simply looking to duck the tax, do not get your hopes up for another big splash in the near future.