Earlier this offseason, the Sixers made a massive upgrade at the backup wing spot, replacing Mike Scott with Georges Niang from the Utah Jazz. Niang signed a two-year deal with the team and looks to help rejuvenate the 76ers’ bench alongside another addition in Andre Drummond. 

Niang spoke with the Noble and Roosh show to discuss how he landed in Philadelphia and why he chose the Sixers over other contenders. The most significant piece to Niang seemed to be Doc Rivers’ pitch to Niang regarding how he would fit in the 76ers’ offense.

You can listen to the full interview here:

“I wanted to go to a team that was going to compete and try to win… When Philadelphia came calling and valued the things, I do like shooting and being a bigger body. That was something that excited me. Honestly it really came down to Doc Rivers calling me and being like “hey I value what you do and this is how I’m going to use you and I think we’re aligned here and you’d be a great partnership here” and I was sold on that. 

Doc did a good job of telling me how he’d use me and he thinks that our team is going to be a team that can compete at a high level and win and that’s what I wanted to hear and now I’m excited to get in there and make things happen.” – Georges Niang

Despite many fan criticism of Doc Rivers, numerous players consistently cite Rivers as their main reason as to why they signed with the 76ers. After bringing back Danny Green, the team culture seems to remain intact outside of the trade demand from Ben Simmons. Georges Niang then explained how Doc Rivers wanted guys who could help space the floor and keep defenders away from Embiid.

“I’m super excited about Philly. I think we have a chance to win.” – Georges Niang

Alongside the schematic fit, Niang is a big fan of how the 76ers fan base operates. During the interview, he mentioned how he liked how the fans hold players accountable and boo when things are going wrong. Niang’s 76ers’ debut isn’t far away, with training camp kicking off in just a few weeks.