3 ways Georges Niang immediately helps the Cleveland Cavaliers

No. 3: Mobley’s new best friend

With all due respect to Jarrett Allen (cue Mark Jackson), his lack of floor spacing limited how J.B. Bickerstaff could position and play Evan Mobley at times. By slotting Niang in as a secondary four, Mobley will have an opportunity to develop his talents as a center and passer.

There has been plenty of speculation regarding Mobley as a long term five and concern over how to maximize Mobley’s potential as a playmaker. With the Cavs searching to add elite shooting across the team, placing Mobley at the center of it all gives the former No. 3 pick a new role in Cleveland.

Both starting centers in this year’s NBA Finals, Nikola Jokic and Bam Adebayo, are high level passing bigs with a knack for finding the open shooter. Viewers will often see either one holding the ball near the elbow in position either to post up their defender or watch for an off-ball screen that opens up a shooter.

Cleveland has already seen flashes of Mobley’s instinctive passing. In Mobley’s two seasons, he has averaged 2.7 assists per game and 1.8 turnovers. His stats are nothing mind-blowing, but with more opportunities to learn, his offensive game would benefit tremendously.

Overall, Niang as a Cavalier is a worthwhile addition that is sure to become a beloved role player quick.