The Boston Celtics have added Georges Niang to the roster, and fans will need to be convinced it is a smart move.
Ahead of free agency the Boston Celtics acted with clinical precision to slash their salary bill, trading away Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis.
As part of the transaction to send Porzingis to the Atlanta Hawks, the Celtics acquired Georges Niang, who began last season on the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Niang was formally confirmed as a member of the Boston Celtics on July 7, and fans are not sold yet.
Georges Niang to the Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics confirmed the transaction to bring Niang on to their roster along with Anfernee Simons, acquired via the Portland Trail Blazers.
General manager Brad Stevens announced both players, commenting: “Anfernee is a really good young player who has continuously improved in his seven years in the NBA.
“Georges is no stranger to Boston and has continuously been a winning player over the course of his career. We are excited to add both of them to the team.”
Celtics fans are not so excited about Niang’s arrival, with comments on X showing an underwhelmed reaction.
“Niang is not a winning player Brad need him gone,” wrote one fan.
“Yea get Niang out of here but I’m excited for Simons though and the rookies,” added a second.
“Leave Niang at the airport,” wrote another.
While a fourth admonished, “You don’t have to lie about Niang.”
Georges Niang in 2024-25
Georges Niang played for two teams in 2024-25, starting with the Cavaliers before being sent to the Hawks as part of the DeAndre Hunter trade.
Niang played 79 games for the two teams combined, and his numbers show how he contributed 9.9 points per game.
His three-point efficiency was a creditable 40.6 percent, a trait that the prolific Boston Celtics will look to lean into.
At the age of 32, Niang isn’t going to turn into a world-beater overnight, but he remains a solid role player who should look good as part of the Celtics’ system.
