With three-point shooting at an all-time premium right now in the league, one would probably not expect Georges Niang to be headed toward early retirement. Yet unfortunately for the former Philadelphia 76ers sharpshooter, his time in the league may just be over given what has unfolded for him over the last few months.
Niang, who was traded twice this offseason, did not stop moving places in the middle of the season. After not logging a single minute for the Jazz, he was ultimately discarded in the semi-blockbuster deal involving Jared Jackson Jr., who surprisingly found himself in Utah after the Grizzlies underwent a major retooling.
Given Niang’s lack of appearances this season, it came as no surprise that Memphis quickly jettisoned him. No team has picked him up since then as injury concerns continue to shroud him in relative mystery. Now, he has very little traction toward a return to the league before the playoffs where he could showcase the kind of shooting the 76ers reveled in a few years ago.
Former 76ers sharpshooter Georges Niang appears headed toward early retirement
Last season, the former 76ers forward averaged nearly 10 points per game while shooting 40.6 percent from beyond the arc in split appearances between the Cavaliers and the Hawks. He was easily logging one of his best seasons as a pro, so it is a huge surprise that no team has picked him up from the open market just yet.
Niang was dealing with a hobbled foot even before the season began, which is probably the main reason why his name has gotten forgotten this year. Utah never cleared him to play, and despite Memphis needing shooting, they cut him instead — a major testament to his inability to log real minutes just yet.
One of the more unconventional players in the league, Niang is not exactly known for being a good athlete. He has also always had slow feet, which affects his feasibility on the defensive end, especially against more agile opponents. Those are most likely the two factors that currently hinder any comeback this season for his part.
Still, Georges Niang still fills in a highly desirable skills package, especially for a forward. Even better, he is not expected to come with a heavy price tag, so teams should still look into the possibility of bringing him in as a depth piece. Heck, even the 76ers should probably join that unidentifiable loop of teams.