SALT LAKE CITY — Reserve forward Georges Niang has turned into a consistent contributor for the Utah Jazz.
Before the 2019-20 NBA season was put on indefinite suspension last month because of the novel coronavirus pandemic, Niang had played in 58 of the Jazz’s games this season, averaging 13.3 minutes off the bench.
His contributions as a role player for Utah — in his third season with the franchise — earned Niang praise as one of nine Luke Walton All-Stars this season from ESPN’s Zach Lowe.
The Luke Walton All-Star list is meant to honor what Lowe once referred to as the “annual roster of journeymen and role players thriving in unexpected ways.”
“Niang has hit nearly 42% on 3s and solidified himself at backup power forward. He reads the game at a high level. He’s a slick passer on the move,” Lowe wrote.
Lowe also shared a moment from the 2018-19 season where Jazz coach Quin Snyder made sure to let Niang know how much he noticed the power forward’s contributions, after Niang scored eight points in the season’s second game.
“I’m proud of you. I’m excited to coach you,” Snyder texted Niang, Lowe recounted.
“To have someone believe in you is huge,” Niang said.
Niang was averaging 5.8 points, 1.9 rebounds and 0.6 assists per game this season, his best numbers in four seasons as a pro.
He’s also built a strong relationship with guard Joe Ingles, who’s twice been honored by Lowe as a Luke Walton All-Star.
“I’ve been lucky enough to make this before, glad my little/big guy @GeorgesNiang20 got the recognition he deserves from @ZachLowe_NBA!” Ingles tweeted Monday.