Sixers: 3 players who have exceeded expectations so far

Sixers who have exceeded expectations: Georges Niang

Our composite preseason player rankings here at The Sixer Sense had Georges Niang as the 10th best player on the roster. If we were to rehash that list now, just six games into the season, there’s a compelling case for Niang to crack the top five. He has been that good.

Niang has been far and away the Sixers’ best offseason move. Not only is he adequately filling the Mike Scott role of stretch four (46.4 percent from deep), but he is contributing across the board in areas Scott never would have dreamt of. Niang is making whip-smart passes on the move, cutting to the rim with surgical precision, and playing surprisingly stout defense against a variety of matchups.

The Sixers’ second unit does not look so remarkably improved without Niang tying it all together. Korkmaz’s growth has been important, and yes, Drummond is a dominant interior force, but Niang is the true standout. His two-year, $6.7 million contract could stack up with the best bargains in the NBA by season’s end.

Philadelphia can plug Niang into a variety of lineup constructions with the utmost confidence. He can play small-ball five in short bursts, he can share the wing rotation with Tobias Harris, or he can stretch out the frontcourt for Embiid and Drummond. Niang is not flashy, and he doesn’t post the biggest numbers, but he is the Sixers’ top reserve right now. He deserves every bit of praise.