Georges Niang Poised to Step Into Jazz Starting Lineup After Latest Trade
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Forward Georges Niang, acquired by the Utah Jazz in a recent deal with the Boston Celtics, is projected to move directly into the starting lineup, according to ESPN’s Bobby Marks.
Marks’ lineup forecast places Niang in the frontcourt with Lauri Markkanen and Walker Kessler, while rookies Isaiah Collier and Keyonte George anchor the backcourt. The analyst envisions a bench unit featuring first-round pick Ace Bailey, Cody Williams, rookie Walter Clayton Jr., summer-league standout Kyle Filipowski, Brice Sensabaugh, veteran center Jusuf Nurkić and others. Veteran forward Kevin Love is listed for now, though the team is expected to discuss a contract buyout.
The move marks Niang’s second stint in Salt Lake City; he played for the Jazz from 2017 to 2021. Since February, the 31-year-old has been traded three times: first from the Cleveland Cavaliers to the Atlanta Hawks, then from the Hawks to the Celtics, and now from Boston back to Utah.
Niang averaged 12.1 points across a 28-game stretch with Atlanta last season and appeared in 79 contests overall, posting 9.9 points and 3.4 rebounds per game. League sources indicated Boston valued his contributions but dealt him as part of a broader effort to trim salary. Utah, meanwhile, is reportedly eager to reintegrate a familiar face into its rotation.
Imagem: Getty via hoopswire.com
Source: Hoops Wire
