Talen Horton tucker with a new career high 28 points. I hope he keeps getting a chance. That was an impressive game
NBA: Cyclones in the pros 2021-23 (hoops)
- Thread starter I-stateTheTruth
- Start date
Talen Horton-Tucker impressed Anthony Davis and Russell Westbrook in ‘unreal’ debut
Both Anthony Davis and Russell Westbrook came away impressed by the impact Talen Horton-Tucker made in his debut for the Lakers on Sunday afternoon.
www.silverscreenandroll.com
Georges has become a real leader for the Sixers - he has to be psyched about playing in Utah tonight:
Last edited:
Not comparing THT directly to LBJ but he does have a similar range of versatile skills, handy to have on the same team. I think he can be an elite defender if he focuses on it. Offensively he’s growing so fast, he was a decent passer his year at ISU but he’s displaying some passing wizardry now using his wingspan and monster grip on the ball.
The Jazz folks are saying some nice things about Georges on his return to SLC tonight and it looks like there's a video tribute in the work. Some blurbs:
One of those favorites returns to Vivint Arena tonight.
Welcome back, Georges Niang.
"Georges wasn't given anything at any point. … You have to trace the lineage of his career so to speak," Snyder said. "Obviously we don't want him making five threes. … But I think all of us are happy for him to be in this situation, where a team values him the way that we valued him."
For Utah though, Niang's contributions went far beyond the box score.
According to Donovan Mitchell, Niang's positive energy and hardworking capabilities made the most lasting impression on the franchise. Although now in Philadelphia, Mitchell says the team still does and refers to things as Niang used to.
"I'm happy to see him tonight, just as a friend. … Obviously as a teammate, he's one of the best teammates I've ever had," Mitchell said. "He's never had a bad day, he's always keeping the energy positive. For him to consistently have the same work ethic, the same mentality, the same positivity every day, that's not always the easiest thing. I've always respected that about him."
"The fans are excited to see him, we're excited to see him," Mitchell said. "He's going to talk his trash as he should, and we will. … But it's always great to have a guy like that come back."
Link: https://www.nba.com/jazz/news/utah-looks-rebound-shorthanded-philadelphia-town
One of those favorites returns to Vivint Arena tonight.
Welcome back, Georges Niang.
"Georges wasn't given anything at any point. … You have to trace the lineage of his career so to speak," Snyder said. "Obviously we don't want him making five threes. … But I think all of us are happy for him to be in this situation, where a team values him the way that we valued him."
For Utah though, Niang's contributions went far beyond the box score.
According to Donovan Mitchell, Niang's positive energy and hardworking capabilities made the most lasting impression on the franchise. Although now in Philadelphia, Mitchell says the team still does and refers to things as Niang used to.
"I'm happy to see him tonight, just as a friend. … Obviously as a teammate, he's one of the best teammates I've ever had," Mitchell said. "He's never had a bad day, he's always keeping the energy positive. For him to consistently have the same work ethic, the same mentality, the same positivity every day, that's not always the easiest thing. I've always respected that about him."
"The fans are excited to see him, we're excited to see him," Mitchell said. "He's going to talk his trash as he should, and we will. … But it's always great to have a guy like that come back."
Link: https://www.nba.com/jazz/news/utah-looks-rebound-shorthanded-philadelphia-town
Thanks for posting that. He really poured in a ton of points late in that one (I think he had 16 early in the 4th). Two notes on that video:
* If you want to see a made 3-pointer with a high degree of difficulty, check at about the 1:57 mark when THT he side steps into the deep right corner and buries a trey.
* Right after the above play, he throws down a poster type dunk and Matt Thomas is visible on that one.
Matt Thomas has been only garbage minutes mostly anyways which I wish he’d get more of a chance. Tht was not scared to shoot either. He was just chucking those things up from 30 feet lol
I don't have a subscription to The Athletic. Can anyone post the text of this article by a Jazz writer? Sounds like a nice recap of Georges' journey in the NBA.
Stressed from the Utah Jazz losing at the last minute in a high-octane matchup with the Golden State Warriors, Georges Niang heard the slight buzz from his phone.
Up until that point in October 2018, his career had been one of a guy trying to hang on. A G League assignment here. A two-way contract there. Never was there basketball stability for Niang.
That night, a 124-123 loss to the best team in basketball, Niang played nine minutes. But he was in a real, live NBA rotation for the first time in his career. He made some shots. He did some good things at Vivint Smart Home Arena. He made some mistakes. But he played. He made it. And that was the important thing.
Niang rolled over and looked at his phone, hopeful it wasn’t a text from someone he didn’t want to hear from. Jonas Jerebko’s game-winning tip-in put a damper on a night where the Jazz hit 19 3-pointers, played inspiring basketball, got 27 points from Joe Ingles and matched the mighty Warriors shot for shot. But, typical against the Warriors, it wouldn’t be enough.
“Good game tonight,” the text message read.
It was from Quin Snyder, Utah’s coach.
“I know we lost,” the message continued, “but you did a heck of a job tonight. I’m excited to keep coaching you.”
It was at that moment Niang first realized he had a real chance to stick in the NBA.
On Tuesday, Niang, the 6-foot-7 combination forward, returns to face the Utah Jazz, the team that gave him his first true chance at rotation minutes. He now comes off the bench for the Philadelphia 76ers, an important role, because he’s one of the guys tasked with spacing the floor for Joel Embiid and moving the basketball.
It definitely won’t be one of those revenge games for Niang. Of course, he would love to walk into Vivint Smart Home Arena and light up the Jazz. But off the court, there’s no ill will. The Jazz gave Niang his ultimate opportunity. He took advantage of that chance and now looks like a guy who should have a long career. But nobody can be sure if Niang would be in this spot if it weren’t for the Jazz and a head coach believing in his talent.
“I love Utah for what it did for me,” Niang told The Athletic in an interview. “Being in Utah, it took me from a young man to an adult. I can’t be thankful enough to the Jazz organization, and I had four great years in Utah. We built something special in Utah. So, I’m going to be excited to see the guys.
“Me leaving for Philly? It’s part of the business. Unfortunately, things don’t always work out, and you have to move on. But I found a great place with the Sixers, and Philly has been great for me, so far.”
This is the thing with Niang: He’s a unique player. Physically, he doesn’t fit the mold of an NBA guy. He can dunk on a good day but will probably never bang on anyone in traffic. He’s never going to beat you in a 40-yard dash. He’s lost a ton of weight since his collegiate days at Iowa State but is never going to resemble Adonis. He was more of a power forward and center in his days of Big 12 dominance. He played a ton out of the post, and if the league was in his future, he was going to have to expand his game in all facets that didn’t include shooting the basketball.
Put it this way. His nickname isn’t “The Minivan” for nothing.
But he was skilled, super-skilled. He could dribble, pass and shoot, which boded well for him when the NBA tilted more toward skill and away from sheer athleticism. If he were to give himself a chance, that chance would have to come defensively. So Niang cleaned his diet and improved his body. His workouts became a litany of lateral drills. Offensively, he put up hundreds of shots a day, knowing his role would be as a floor spacer. He tried to become as athletic as possible.
He knew he had to do two fundamental things: Make corner 3s and make sure his guy didn’t score on the other end of the floor.
His relationship with Snyder was special. Off the court, the two talked often, and Snyder was able to get him through difficult circumstances. When Niang wasn’t playing as much, it was Snyder who told him to keep his head up and stay ready. When Niang needed advice, Snyder was there to give it to him. It was a key thing for him mentally and physically. Niang was able to become the player he is in part because Snyder believed in his talent.
“I think the first thing is that we are happy for Georges because he’s been able to find a role and play so well with the Sixers,” Snyder said. “He was someone who worked very hard to develop to the level that we needed him to be at, and we’re proud of what he’s accomplished.”
After Utah’s loss to the Los Angeles Clippers in the postseason, it was obvious that Niang wouldn’t be back in a Jazz uniform. The Jazz set their sights on Rudy Gay, and Niang’s rotation spot would ultimately be the one offered to Gay in terms of significant minutes. The Sixers and Niang proved to be a pretty instant match once free agency opened. Philadelphia needed shooting, and coach Doc Rivers had long been a fan of Niang’s.
Niang needed to be with a team that valued his shooting. In Utah, the Jazz have a shooting surplus, so Niang’s shooting was a luxury more than anything. In Philly, the Sixers need Niang’s shooting along the second unit. Those Joel Embiid doubles need a reliable outlet, after all.
“I liked the face that they needed a backup for Tobias Harris,” Niang said. “I think the biggest thing that I have to do is continue to try and grow and expand my game. But I have to do that and help my team win in the process.”
To this point of the season, Niang is averaging 12 points per game, which would be a career high by far. He’s shooting 39 percent from 3-point range, while attempting almost six 3s per game. He’s handling the ball more than he’s ever done. He’s turned into a mature NBA role player for a team that’s gone through some obvious trials and has needed his stability.
His few days in Utah have been hectic. But he’s already connected with former teammates. And on Tuesday night, “The Minivan” will be at Vivint.
“We’re all really looking forward to seeing him,” Utah point guard Mike Conley told The Athletic. “We just don’t want him to get too comfortable against us. But we root for him in every other game.”
Thank you for copying that! I knew that Georges had a lot of love for Snyder and now I know why. I hope he has a big night in Utah.5
Stressed from the Utah Jazz losing at the last minute in a high-octane matchup with the Golden State Warriors, Georges Niang heard the slight buzz from his phone.
Up until that point in October 2018, his career had been one of a guy trying to hang on. A G League assignment here. A two-way contract there. Never was there basketball stability for Niang.
That night, a 124-123 loss to the best team in basketball, Niang played nine minutes. But he was in a real, live NBA rotation for the first time in his career. He made some shots. He did some good things at Vivint Smart Home Arena. He made some mistakes. But he played. He made it. And that was the important thing.
Niang rolled over and looked at his phone, hopeful it wasn’t a text from someone he didn’t want to hear from. Jonas Jerebko’s game-winning tip-in put a damper on a night where the Jazz hit 19 3-pointers, played inspiring basketball, got 27 points from Joe Ingles and matched the mighty Warriors shot for shot. But, typical against the Warriors, it wouldn’t be enough.
“Good game tonight,” the text message read.
It was from Quin Snyder, Utah’s coach.
“I know we lost,” the message continued, “but you did a heck of a job tonight. I’m excited to keep coaching you.”
It was at that moment Niang first realized he had a real chance to stick in the NBA.
On Tuesday, Niang, the 6-foot-7 combination forward, returns to face the Utah Jazz, the team that gave him his first true chance at rotation minutes. He now comes off the bench for the Philadelphia 76ers, an important role, because he’s one of the guys tasked with spacing the floor for Joel Embiid and moving the basketball.
It definitely won’t be one of those revenge games for Niang. Of course, he would love to walk into Vivint Smart Home Arena and light up the Jazz. But off the court, there’s no ill will. The Jazz gave Niang his ultimate opportunity. He took advantage of that chance and now looks like a guy who should have a long career. But nobody can be sure if Niang would be in this spot if it weren’t for the Jazz and a head coach believing in his talent.
“I love Utah for what it did for me,” Niang told The Athletic in an interview. “Being in Utah, it took me from a young man to an adult. I can’t be thankful enough to the Jazz organization, and I had four great years in Utah. We built something special in Utah. So, I’m going to be excited to see the guys.
“Me leaving for Philly? It’s part of the business. Unfortunately, things don’t always work out, and you have to move on. But I found a great place with the Sixers, and Philly has been great for me, so far.”
This is the thing with Niang: He’s a unique player. Physically, he doesn’t fit the mold of an NBA guy. He can dunk on a good day but will probably never bang on anyone in traffic. He’s never going to beat you in a 40-yard dash. He’s lost a ton of weight since his collegiate days at Iowa State but is never going to resemble Adonis. He was more of a power forward and center in his days of Big 12 dominance. He played a ton out of the post, and if the league was in his future, he was going to have to expand his game in all facets that didn’t include shooting the basketball.
Put it this way. His nickname isn’t “The Minivan” for nothing.
But he was skilled, super-skilled. He could dribble, pass and shoot, which boded well for him when the NBA tilted more toward skill and away from sheer athleticism. If he were to give himself a chance, that chance would have to come defensively. So Niang cleaned his diet and improved his body. His workouts became a litany of lateral drills. Offensively, he put up hundreds of shots a day, knowing his role would be as a floor spacer. He tried to become as athletic as possible.
He knew he had to do two fundamental things: Make corner 3s and make sure his guy didn’t score on the other end of the floor.
His relationship with Snyder was special. Off the court, the two talked often, and Snyder was able to get him through difficult circumstances. When Niang wasn’t playing as much, it was Snyder who told him to keep his head up and stay ready. When Niang needed advice, Snyder was there to give it to him. It was a key thing for him mentally and physically. Niang was able to become the player he is in part because Snyder believed in his talent.
“I think the first thing is that we are happy for Georges because he’s been able to find a role and play so well with the Sixers,” Snyder said. “He was someone who worked very hard to develop to the level that we needed him to be at, and we’re proud of what he’s accomplished.”
After Utah’s loss to the Los Angeles Clippers in the postseason, it was obvious that Niang wouldn’t be back in a Jazz uniform. The Jazz set their sights on Rudy Gay, and Niang’s rotation spot would ultimately be the one offered to Gay in terms of significant minutes. The Sixers and Niang proved to be a pretty instant match once free agency opened. Philadelphia needed shooting, and coach Doc Rivers had long been a fan of Niang’s.
Niang needed to be with a team that valued his shooting. In Utah, the Jazz have a shooting surplus, so Niang’s shooting was a luxury more than anything. In Philly, the Sixers need Niang’s shooting along the second unit. Those Joel Embiid doubles need a reliable outlet, after all.
“I liked the face that they needed a backup for Tobias Harris,” Niang said. “I think the biggest thing that I have to do is continue to try and grow and expand my game. But I have to do that and help my team win in the process.”
To this point of the season, Niang is averaging 12 points per game, which would be a career high by far. He’s shooting 39 percent from 3-point range, while attempting almost six 3s per game. He’s handling the ball more than he’s ever done. He’s turned into a mature NBA role player for a team that’s gone through some obvious trials and has needed his stability.
His few days in Utah have been hectic. But he’s already connected with former teammates. And on Tuesday night, “The Minivan” will be at Vivint.
“We’re all really looking forward to seeing him,” Utah point guard Mike Conley told The Athletic. “We just don’t want him to get too comfortable against us. But we root for him in every other game.”
Wow - how smooth is Georges??!!
That had to feel good.
He also tied ISU's 3pt total on his first possession.
That had to feel good.
He also tied ISU's 3pt total on his first possession.
