Atlanta Hawks veteran Georges Niang is a spirited individual. He hosts his own podcast and speaks just as freely on the court.
Philadelphia 76ers wing Quentin Grimes found that out the hard way.
Grimes is having a breakout campaign during an otherwise injury-marred campaign for the 76ers in which Joel Embiid, Paul George, and Tyrese Maxey have all missed substantial time. During the Hawks’ win over the Sixers on Sunday, Niang reminded Grimes of that fact.
“Wherever you go next year, you ain’t getting none of this s***. You ain getting none of this s***,” Niang told Grimes on March 23. “You got seven n***** out, that’s the only reason why you doing what you doing. Joel here, your a** would be in the corner. Joel here, you in the corner. Tyrese? You in the corner.”
The Sixers were missing eight players, including recently added former Los Angeles Lakers first-round pick Jalen Hood-Schifino.
They finished with five players in double figures but allowed the same for the Hawks.
This was the eighth time the Sixers have allowed an opponent to score over 130 points in regulation and the ninth time overall this season. The Hawks also did it in a 132-123 win against them on March 10.
Grimes has averaged 22.2 points on 50% shooting while canning 38.7% of his deep looks. Even with the increased opportunity, meeting the challenge is impressive.
That does not disprove anything Niang said, though.
Georges Niang continues hot shooting in Hawks’ win
Niang posted his second straight 20-point performance against the Sixers, finishing with 3 boards, 2 assists, and 1 steal to boot. He is averaging 13.4 PPG and shooting 42.3% from deep in his Hawks tenure.
Niang has hit multiple threes in all but four of his appearances since being traded from the Cleveland Cavaliers. He has scored 33 points on 11-for-17 triples in the last two games.
The Hawks are 10-8 with him in the lineup.
Niang is under contract for next season, but it will be expiring. He is almost certain to draw interest in the trade market this offseason with many sensing the Hawks have yet to fully pick a lane.
However, his impact on the team – both in the stat sheet and with the attitude that he brings – could be worth keeping around for a fairly young team.
The best player on the squad, Trae Young, is still 26 years old.
Their next three best players are 24 and younger. The Hawks need grizzled veterans as much as anything, so the decision could be far from easy. It is a good problem to have, though, as the alternative could be Niang having a disastrous showing.
Fortunately for him and the Hawks, that is not the case. And his fire is more consistent than his deep ball, so he will always contribute something to the team.