The Celtics got back another floor spacer in the trade that sent Kristaps Porzingis to Atlanta, but Georges Niang hasn’t been feeling welcomed by Boston fans, relays Daniel Donabedian of ClutchPoints. In a recent appearance on the OGs podcast (YouTube link), the Massachusetts native discussed his reception since the deal was announced.
“I then get traded for Kristaps Porzingis — which, you know how tough Boston fans are. They don’t give a (expletive) if I’m from Boston or not,” Niang said. “‘You just took our Unicorn and replaced it with a Minivan. Get the (expletive) outta here.’ I’m like public enemy No. 1. They’re like, ‘What is this? This ain’t shiny. It’s got scratches on it, man.”
The reaction may be the result of lingering bitterness over an incident where Niang grabbed Jaylen Brown‘s knee from the bench during the 2023 playoffs (Twitter video link). It may also be related to uncertainty over whether the team intends to keep Niang’s $8.2MM expiring contract as it continues to look for ways to reduce payroll.
“You don’t want to be in Boston losing, that’s for sure,” Niang added. “What can I do this summer? Can I come in, in the best shape that I’m in, and also mentor, and kind of teach, and also learn — because they’ve won championships. And kind of dial all that into one, and focus every day on how can I win the day, and then win games.”
There’s more from Boston:
- The Celtics have been mentioned as a possible destination for Ben Simmons, but Matt Vautour of MassLive advises them to look elsewhere for free agent help. Vautour states that although Simmons still has positive aspects to his game, the team wouldn’t be able to count on him staying healthy and signing him would most likely lead to disappointment as it did in Philadelphia and Brooklyn.
- Charles Bassey, who made a strong impression with Boston during three Summer League games, is attracting attention from Virtus Bologna, according to Italian media outlet Pianeta Basket. Bassey could receive a training camp invitation, but that’s far from certain as the Celtics sort through their center options.
- Drew Nicholas will join the Celtics as executive director of player personnel, league sources tell Michael Scotto of HoopsHype (Twitter link). Nicholas was a scout for Brooklyn last season and previously served as director of scouting in Denver.
Id doubt Boston will be doing anything until Simons and Niang are trade eligible. Niang sounds like he knows something.
I think there’s merit in Simons, Niang, Queta to Chicago for Vuch and a first. Chicago has its own and a Portland protected first.
I don’t know what Vuc does for the Cs, but Huerter otoh, is a future Celtic if I’ve ever seen one.
“I don’t know what Vuc does for the Cs”
He’d play center. Right now Celtics are rolling with Queeta, Tillman and Garza. Queeta I wouldn’t mind out there for 24 minutes a game or so, but a center like Vuc who can stretch the floor would be helpful.
Not saying I thnk its’ gonna happen.
Why would you trade for Vuc if we just got ride of Tingus Pingus?
Read burner, lols.
Vuch is a serviceable centre whose next contract won’t be large. Boston won’t be resigning Simons and cutting costs with the possibly of another first in hand next draft is worth the gamble. Vuch could be a good a vet going forward. Boston aren’t contending next season and shouldn’t be trying to. Bulls could easily accommodate Simons who is an upgrade on White and Giddey with their cap space going forward. Vuch could walk for nothing. Trade would hinge on guys committing to resign. Cap relief, possibly another first next draft and a solid Vet will be valuable this time next yr. Huerter can stay in Chicago or go elsewhere in my opinion.
I don’t think Simons is an upgrade over Coby White. Which is not to say the Bulls wouldn’t want to have both.
They could accommodate both with their cap space. Simons is well proven over White far as sustainability goes. Been producing at a higher level longer.
Simons is a perfect SG to White imo. He gives them scoring and shooting. He will get plenty of looks on that team. His D will have to step up. Small price to pay to win. Boston is not about winning this year. This year is about retooling for the following year. I think they will just take it day to day.
If only Ben could be that 1st team all D again. The guy has PF size. And the athleticism of a SF. He could be another Dennis Rodman. He is bigger than Rodman. And could be a better offensive player than Rodman. On his passing alone. If he wanted to be that player. I could consider him starting next to Towns. This is how he can save his career. Concentrate on being the top defensive player around. He is 29 yrs old.
Ben Wallace — 6’ 9” , 240 lbs
Dennis Rodman — 6’ 7” , 210 lbs
Draymond Green — 6’ 6” , 230 lbs
Ben Simmons — 6’ 10” , 240 lbs
Ben is bigger and more athletic than all three of these HOF players. Who are known by their defensive game.
At 29 yrs old. He can still be a valuable asset on a team. If he had my heart. I know I could and would do it … Ben ……. why give up now ??
Not about this upcoming season is exactly why I’d be looking to offload simons and get under the first apron. Vuch can do the Horford type role on a team friendly deal going forward. Come back next season with JT, cap flexibility and possibly two firsts with Vuch the vet. Ben Simmons can go elsewhere. Boston won’t be signing anyone at this point until the cap space and roster is clearer. Trying to get rid of cash, not take more at this point.
Oh my..
Ben Simmons has a busted lower back. Rodman was playing like a young buck in his mid 30s, jumping over people grabbing boards.
Simmons is always one landing away from another surgery and removal of disk material pinching on his nerves. Not to mention biomechanical, phycological and other aspects of that condition.
His surgery aren’t career enders. I’m talking about changing his game. So it would be beneficial to his issues. Bird and Larry Johnson both had worse back issues. Both played way above and berond. What they should have. Even if he did it for 24-26 mins a game. It would get him to elite level. Concentrating on one side of the ball. Is beneficial to him and the way to do it.
None of us has seen Ben’s, Bird’s and Johnson’s MRIs, but it’s safe to say that you don’t cut open your back if it’s not necessary.
I’m not one of Ben’s haters. Still the most talented player from his draft class. But in 2025, the idea of Ben Simmons is not the reality of Ben Simmons. His time in LAC didn’t help his reputation. You watch him, he does things very few can do for 1-2 games during 15-20 minutes, and then becomes a shadow.
Maybe a change of game would be beneficial, but he’s had a very hard time reinventing himself this past year. And the NBA is cruel. It doesn’t give you too many chances.
I’m too young to know Bird’s story, but I’ve heard that the injury really got to him. And Larry Johnson didn’t last long at his peak performance.
Lumbar and cervical spine problems are such a big deal. It seems that in 2025 it’s almost better to damage a ligament than to have seriously bad disks. We’ve seen players in various sports come back from ligament tears as good as before, or even better. Florian Wirtz, a promising young footballer from Germany, tore his ACL at 18, returned a year later and became the best player in the country and one of sports’ biggest talents.
But a seriously bad back always gets to guys. It’s a miracle that MPJ is even able to perform at the level he does. But he’s not the player he was projected to be.
Knicks can have Simmons.
Ben won’t be a Celtic because Coach Mazulla wants a 3pt shooter. Mazulla game plan is always shoot 3’s…