CLEVELAND, Ohio — The Cavs completed their 2025 NBA Draft haul by selecting fast-rising international swingman Saliou Niang with the No. 58 pick.
Sources tell cleveland.com the Cavaliers will stash Niang with his Euroleague team Virtus Bologna in Italy next season.
A versatile 6-foot-8 wing from Senegal, Niang was one of many prospects the Cavs hosted for a workout during the extensive pre-draft process. Despite a plethora of questions about his offensive game, Niang impressed team decision-makers with his size, athleticism, competitiveness and disruptive defensive skill set.
Emerging from obscurity, Niang has become an effective player in the Italian League and EuroCup for basketball club Trento. While his offense is a work in progress, hitting just 11 3-pointers in 45 games and recording more turnovers than assists, the deep and talented Cavs weren’t looking for another help-now player. The franchise will give Niang time to develop at his own pace while keeping tabs on him from afar.
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