The Philadelphia 76ers had what many considered a quiet offseason. In light of no enticing trade offer coming about for Ben Simmons, Daryl Morey made multiple lateral moves to keep the Sixers in a position to remain competitive.
Among the small moves made was bringing in sharpshooting forward Georges Niang. The 28-year-old was brought in to add size and much-needed outside shooting to the Sixers' second unit.
Many expected Niang to be an upgrade to outgoing Mike Scott, but he has been everything as advertised and more. Through the Sixers' first nine games this season, he has been one of the biggest standouts.
Niang is currently posting career-highs across the board. His 11.9 PPG, 2.8 RPG, and 1.8 APG are all his best marks as a pro. Not to mention he is still spacing the floor at a very efficient rate, connecting on 41.8% of his attempts while shooting six threes per game.
Doc Rivers had Niang high on his wishlist heading into this past offseason, and you can see why. Following the Sixers win over the Trail Blazers on Monday, Rivers said he spoke to Morey about targeting Niang in free agency after the Jazz came to Philly just before the All-Star break last season.
It might not be talked about with high regard, but this signing is shaping up to be one of the best from this past summer. Niang signed for just two years, $6.7 million. For the production he is given the Sixers, it is easily one of the top value signings of free agency.
Rivers recently opened up on how he felt Morey's moves this offseason did not get talked about enough.
“It's funny this summer, we had two pickups, and nobody talked about them. Everyone who was around me, I said, we have two really good pickups, and nobody knows. Georges [Niang] is just a heady player, he is a four, but he can play the five. He brings the ball up a lot, which I think helps our offense, takes pressure off our guards. He's tough, he is not scared to get in the fray,” he said.
Upon his arrival, Rivers said he wanted to tap into more of Niang's game than just his floor spacing. He has allowed him to show he is more than just a deadeye three-point shooter. The element Niang has brought to the Sixers has been a major catalyst to the enhanced play of the second unit.
Making good moves in the margins is what turns good teams into contenders. Despite having minimal cap space to work with, Morey landed a high-quality role player and signed him to an extremely team-friendly deal. Not only has Niang been a great addition on the court, but seamlessly blended into the team's newfound culture as well.
It might not have gotten a ton of buzz when it happened, but the Niang signing has a chance to be one of Morey's best moves since joining the Sixers' front office. It is clear he and Rivers have found a diamond in the rough.
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