Sixers: Grading every player’s 2021-22 season

Grading every Sixers player: Georges Niang // B-

Bang Bang Georges Niang. The Minivan. It was a fun season for Georges Niang, who was by far the Sixers’ best reserve in the regular season. He thoroughly outplayed his small contract, providing the Sixers with elite spot-up shooting (40.3 percent from deep) and effusive, unfettered confidence.

The Sixers have long been at their best when Joel Embiid is surrounded by shooters. Sometimes it’s that simple. It’s the same deal with Harden, who creates so many great looks with his passing. Niang formed quick chemistry with Harden, and he spent many a game early in the season closing over Matisse Thybulle because of his ability to hit big shots.

Then came the postseason. That’s the only real stain on Niang’s season. He was pretty terrible once the playoffs began, especially in the second round. Not only did Niang go cold from 3 (unfortunate but not necessarily “his fault”), but he completely fell apart on defense. It’s not shocking — he’s way too slow for playoffs defense — but the Sixers’ best reserve being virtually unplayable was not easy to overcome.

Philadelphia should gladly keep Niang around. For such an affordable contract, he’s a great value piece in the regular season. That said, you have to have other options on the roster when the playoffs come around. It can’t be Niang or bust, which was essentially the case this year.