In order to really grow a bond in the NBA, there has to be some type of common ground. Guys have to come together and really become one over something that they have been through together.
For Georges Niang, he was the 50th overall pick in the 2016 NBA draft. Those guys normally don’t care out a role for themselves in the league, and if they do, it comes after toiling on the bench and being in the G League for a long time.
A guy like Seth Curry was not even drafted and yet he has been able to become a consistent starter in the league for the Philadelphia 76ers and Niang feels as if he can relate to a guy like Curry.
“You find a common ground or a common denominator that you guys can bond over,” Niang explained. “Nothing was really given to any of us and in this crazy league, you like to see those guys win. I think that has definitely brought us closer. I think we understand that as those types of guys, you have to maximize every opportunity that you’re given and I think that we’re doing that.”
Curry has been a big help for the Sixers as of late and in their home win over the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday, he knocked down a tough shot late that sealed the win for Philadelphia. It was a play where Niang immediately ran over to him to celebrate because he understands what he has been through to get to this point.
“I’m genuinely happy for Seth,” said Niang. “I feel like he’s had a grind of a career, I feel like the same way I have starting in the G League, and these are big moments. For him to go out there, I know he’s capable of that, but for him to show that night in and night out is special, and he’s a helluva player. Those moments, sometimes you can’t take him for granted. I wanted to embrace that and let him know that he was a bad dude.”
It isn’t just Niang and Curry either. The Sixers as a whole have been able to have success out on the floor celebrating each other’s success. They have been moving the ball and it is a big reason why they have the best record in the Eastern Conference. Their play has been impressive despite the adversity they have gone through.
“I think the biggest thing with this team is we’re having fun playing alongside each other,” Niang finished. “I think that’s the biggest thing. The ball doesn’t stick. The ball is flying around, everybody’s sharing the wealth, and everybody’s genuinely happy. You look at the box score and it’s all spread out. Everybody’s able to do multiple things.”
The Sixers will be shorthanded again when they face the Chicago Bulls on the road on Saturday to wrap up their trip.
This post originally appeared on Sixers Wire! Follow us on Facebook!
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