Cavs coach Kenny Atkinson scouts Saliou Niang in Italy
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Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson spent part of the week in Venice, Italy, observing forward Saliou Niang during a Lega Basket Serie A playoff game, according to local reports.
Niang, 22, was selected by Cleveland with the 58th pick of the 2025 NBA Draft and has been developing overseas with Virtus Bologna. The 6-foot-6 forward appeared in 38 EuroLeague games this season, averaging 7.1 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 0.9 steals in 21.7 minutes.
Former Cavaliers general manager Mike Gansey labeled Niang a “draft-and-stash” prospect shortly after the 2025 draft, noting the organization had followed him since he was 15. Gansey said Niang’s progress over the previous two seasons had been “pretty incredible.”
Cleveland retains Niang’s NBA rights while he continues to compete at one of Europe’s highest levels with Virtus Bologna. Atkinson’s trip suggests the Cavaliers remain committed to monitoring his growth and evaluating his readiness for a potential move to the NBA.
Source: Hoops Wire
