Georges Niang, a native of Massachusetts, recently joined the Boston Celtics as part of a trade that sent Kristaps Porziņģis to the Atlanta Hawks, but his arrival has met with skepticism from Celtics fans. Niang acknowledged the challenge of winning over a demanding fan base, highlighting the pressure that comes with replacing a popular player in a city known for its intense sports loyalty.
Niang Addresses Fan Reactions to Porziņģis Trade
Born in Lawrence and raised in Methuen, Niang understands Boston’s passionate sports environment, but he does not expect hometown ties to guarantee approval. On The OGs Show with Udonis Haslem and Mike Miller, Niang joked about his reception, saying that Celtics fans see him as a significant downgrade to Porziņģis. He explained the comparison this way:
“You know how tough Boston fans are. They don’t give a shit if I’m from Boston,”
Niang said.
“They’re like, ‘You just took our unicorn and replaced it with a minivan!'”
He went on to humorously describe his status with the fans by adding,
“I’m like public enemy No. 1. They’re like what the – what is this?! This ain’t shiny, this got scratches on it!”
The nickname “The Minivan” dates back to his time with the Utah Jazz and now follows him to Boston, a reminder of the high expectations left in Porziņģis’s wake.
Niang’s Role and Potential Impact on the Celtics
Niang’s past performance offers reasons for cautious optimism. During the previous season with Atlanta, he averaged 12.1 points per game over 28 appearances while shooting 44.1% from the field. Although Niang plays more as a stretch-four and does not provide the rim protection that Porziņģis offered, his three-point shooting is a key strength, boasting nearly 40% accuracy from beyond the arc in his career.
At 32 years old, Niang is entering what could be one of the most significant phases of his career with the Celtics. The team’s roster depth is limited, especially in his position, which might allow him to earn starting opportunities. Coach Joe Mazzulla’s preference for a shot-heavy offensive scheme could help Niang capitalize on his shooting capabilities, potentially easing fan concerns with solid contributions.
What Lies Ahead for Niang and the Celtics
If Niang can perform well under pressure and make the most of his playing time, Boston supporters might begin to value his local roots along with his on-court contributions. The coming games will be crucial for Niang to shift the narrative from being seen as a settled score in a salary-dump deal to a meaningful player within the Celtics’ system.