AP Photo/Matt YorkAccording to Marc Stein, a NBA reporter, the Philadelphia 76ers increased their depth Tuesday by signing a $6.7 million two-year deal with forward Georges Niang.After playing his first campaign with the Indiana Pacers, Niang was a second-round selection from Iowa State. He entered the league in 2016.The 28-year old is coming off a record season in Utah, in which he averaged 6.9 ppg and 2.4 rebounds per contest while shooting 43.7 percent from 3-point range and 42.5 percent from the foul line.Although he wasn't the primary contributor to a team that included Donovan Mitchell and Mike Conley, Rudy Gobert and Joe Ingles as well, he was an important presence off the bench and provided valuable outside shooting and wing defense.This is a great shot by a team like the 76ers, who needed it more during their second round playoff loss to Atlanta Hawks.Spacing is a problem with Ben Simmons as a primary player and Joel Embiid at the frontcourt. Niang can play alongside them and open up looks from both the corner and the wing.Danny Green is also an offseason free agent, so Philadelphia may have to replace his outside shooting in 2021-22.Niang can do that while also improving the team's defense. According to NBA.com, opponents shot 1.1 percent lower overall and 5.6% worse from three-point range in 2020-21 when Niang guarded them.Niang is an important addition to the 76ers as long as he plays defense well and makes good outside shots.
