Georges Niang Biography Georges Niang born June 17, 1993, also known by his nickname “The Minivan,” is an American professional basketball player for the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA. He was a standout college player at Iowa State University, earning All-American honors.
Georges Niang Biography
Georges Niang is an American professional basketball player who currently plays for the Cleveland Cavaliers. Standing at 6 feet 7 inches, Niang plays as a stretch four and is known for his ability to shoot long-range shots. Niang was selected by the Indiana Pacers as the 50th overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft. Before entering the NBA, he had a standout college career at Iowa State, earning multiple honors, including the Big 12 Tournament MVP in 2015 and the Karl Malone Award in 2016. Niang led Iowa State to the NCAA Tournament in each of his four seasons and holds school records for career games played (138) and most wins (98). During his time with the Indiana Pacers, Niang faced challenges in adjusting to the NBA and spent time in the G League with the Fort Wayne Mad Ants (2016-17) and Santa Cruz Warriors (2017-18).
Georges Niang Biography Details
Born | June 17, 1993 (age 31) Lawrence, Massachusetts, U.S. |
Listed height | 6 ft 7 in (2.01 m) |
Listed weight | 230 lb (104 kg) |
High school | Tilton School (Tilton, New Hampshire) |
College | Iowa State (2012–2016) |
NBA draft | 2016: 2nd round, 50th overall pick |
Playing career | 2016–present |
Category | Football Biographies |
About Georges Niang
Georges Niang, nicknamed “The Minivan”, is an American professional basketball player for the Cleveland Cavaliers of the National Basketball Association. He was an All-American college player for Iowa State University.
- Born: 17 June 1993 (age 31 years), Lawrence, Massachusetts, United States
- Current team: Cleveland Cavaliers (#20 / Power forward, Small forward)
- Parents: Sidy Niang, Alison Niang
- Education: Iowa State University (2012–2016), Tilton School
- Height: 01 m
- Salary: 85 lakhs USD (2025)
- Nationality: American, Senegalese
Early Life
Niang is the son of Sidy and Alison Niang. His father hails from Senegal. Niang also served as the student body president at Tilton Prep.
High School Career
Niang was a three-year starter and two-year team captain at Tilton School, where he became one of the school’s all-time great players, scoring a record 2,372 points. He was named a First-Team All-NEPSAC Class AA selection three times and was named the 2012 NEPSAC Class AA Player of the Year. As a senior, he averaged 25.1 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game. In his junior season, he averaged 24.2 points and 8.2 rebounds per game and helped lead his team to the 2011 NEPSAC Class AA championship with a 72–56 victory over St.
Mark’s, earning Outstanding Player honors for his 23-point performance on perfect 11-of-11 shooting in the final. His team lost in the 2011 National Prep Championship to Notre Dame Prep in a close 87–85 game, where Niang scored 31 points. He also played for the BABC AAU team, which had notable players like former Cyclone and NBA player Will Blalock. Niang and his BABC team won the prestigious 2011 Nike Peach Jam, one of the country’s top AAU tournaments. During his time at Tilton and in AAU, he teamed up with Nerlens Noel.
Georges Niang’s Contract Breakdown
- 2023/24: $8,800,000 base salary
- 2024/25: $8,500,000 base salary
- 2025/26: $8,200,000 base salary
College Career
Niang had a standout college career at Iowa State, where he made an immediate impact as a freshman, earning a spot on the Big 12 All-Rookie Team in 2013. Unfortunately, in the second round of the 2014 NCAA tournament, he suffered a broken fifth metatarsal in his right foot, which sidelined him for the remainder of the event. As a sophomore, Niang averaged 16.7 points and 4.5 rebounds per game, serving as one of Iowa State’s key offensive players alongside Melvin Ejim and DeAndre Kane.
In the offseason following his sophomore year, Niang made a commitment to improving his physical health, losing 30 pounds by reducing his calorie intake, dropping from 260 pounds to 230 pounds. In his junior year, Niang led the team in scoring with 15.3 points per game, in addition to 5.4 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game. Despite his efforts, the Cyclones were upset by 14th-seeded UAB in the first round of the 2015 NCAA tournament, with Niang contributing 11 points and seven rebounds.
Professional Career
Niang was selected by the Indiana Pacers as the 50th overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft. He participated in the 2016 NBA Summer League, where he impressed the team’s front office, including Larry Bird. Niang signed with the Pacers on July 11, 2016, but spent much of his rookie season with the Fort Wayne Mad Ants in the NBA Development League. On July 14, 2017, he was waived by the Pacers. Following his release from the Pacers, Niang signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the Golden State Warriors on August 16, 2017.
However, he was waived by the Warriors on October 14, 2017. Niang then joined the Santa Cruz Warriors as an affiliate player, continuing to develop his game. Niang signed a two-way contract with the Utah Jazz on January 14, 2018, filling the spot previously held by former college teammate Naz Mitrou-Long. Over the remainder of the 2017-2018 season, Niang divided his time between the Jazz and their G League affiliate, the Salt Lake City Stars.
Georges Niang Net Worth 2025
Georges Niang’s net worth in 2025 is projected to be $8,500,000. This is the base salary he will earn as a forward for the Cleveland Cavaliers during the 2024–2025 NBA season.
Explanation
- Niang signed a three-year, $25,500,000 contract with the Cavaliers.
- His average annual salary is $8,500,000.
- Niang’s cap hit and dead cap value for the 2024–2025 season are also both $8,500,000.
Niang has also played for the Indiana Pacers, Utah Jazz, and Philadelphia 76ers.