The Philadelphia 76ers continue to shock the basketball community in the opening weeks of the regular season. Through their first 10 games, they sit at a record of 8-2 and are atop the Eastern Conference.

What is most impressive about their hot start to the year is the circumstances they have overcome. Along with the ongoing Ben Simmons saga, multiple players have been sidelined due to injury or health and safety protocol. They have not used these events as an excuse and continue to find ways to win on a nightly basis.

Embracing the “next man up mentality” has been a major catalyst in their success thus far. Despite a different mix of players in the lineup from game to game, the Sixers have established a balanced offensive attack. The willingness they have shown sharing the ball has allowed scoring to come from all over.

One player who has come alive on occasion this season is new addition Georges Niang. The sharpshooting forward has looked like an incredible signing for Daryl Morey and the Sixers as he's provided a much-needed element to the second unit.

Along with having big scoring nights like his 21-point outburst against the Portland Trail Blazers last Monday, Niang has shattered some of his teammate's expectations in the process. Following the Sixers' win over the Bulls on Saturday, Joel Embiid jokingly gave his initial thoughts on the addition when praising Niang for what he's brought to the team.

“I used to think he sucked, honestly. On this team, he's doing way more than shooting threes. What I'm impressed with is he is a competitor. He brings so much joy to all of us on and off the court. I'm just glad to have him,” Embiid said, per Sixers reporter Lauren Rosen.

Doc Rivers has always been extremely high on Georges Niang, and how he has performed shows why. This situation is a positive example of a player getting the opportunity to expand their game and thriving.

When Niang was first brought to Philly, many viewed it as Morey adding another deadeye shooter to complement the Sixers' All-Stars. Rivers always acknowledged what Niang provides as a floor spacer, but he saw untapped potential in his skill set. Now, the Massachusetts native can be more than just a reliable kick-out option beyond the arc.

So far this season, Niang is posting career-highs in points, rebounds and assists per game–all while continuing to shoot above 40 percent from deep on high volume. Rivers has put him in positions to show off his high basketball IQ, and Niang has made the most of it.

The bar might not have been set very high, but it's clear Niang is a drastic upgrade to Rivers' bench. His savvy and wherewithal for the game have played a pivotal part in the enhanced play from the second unit.

Niang has already turned some heads in his locker room, and by the end of the season, he might do the same league-wide as one of the best value signings of last offseason.