PHILADELPHIA–The Philadelphia 76ers made a solid free agency move in 2021 when they brought in Georges Niang from the Utah Jazz on a deal. The Sixers needed some energy and shooting off the bench and Niang has provided both in his time with the Sixers.

In his second season in Philadelphia, Niang is shooting 42.7% from deep off the bench and he is averaging 9.3 points and 1.9 rebounds through the first 16 games of the season. The 7-year veteran out of Iowa State has been a big help to this team.

Minnesota Timberwolves big man Rudy Gobert, who played with Niang while with the Jazz, is happy to see his former teammate thriving in Philadelphia in his role.

“He’s just a great guy,” Gobert said of Niang. “He brings a lot of joy in the locker room. He’s a competitor. He loves to win and I’ve seen him evolve. Especially, off the court and his off the court habits. He’s very involved and he works really hard and I’m glad to see him getting consistent minutes because that’s just a tribute to his work.”

The Sixers are sitting at 8-8 and they will need to find a way to string together some wins, but having Niang on the roster is a big help as somebody who can be good in the locker room as well as some terrific production on the floor.