Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson was in Italy this week keeping an eye on one of the organization’s more intriguing young prospects.
According to reports from Italy, Atkinson attended a Lega Basket Serie A playoff game in Venice to watch Saliou Niang, Cleveland’s second-round pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.
Niang, a 6-foot-6 forward, has spent the season with Virtus Bologna after being selected No. 58 overall by the Cavs. The 22-year-old has continued his development overseas while Cleveland retains his NBA rights.
In 38 EuroLeague appearances this season, Niang averaged 7.1 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 0.9 steals in 21.7 minutes per game.
The Cavs have long been high on his potential.
Former Cavs general manager Mike Gansey described Niang as a draft-and-stash prospect shortly after the draft, while noting the organization had been tracking him for years.
“We’ve been following him since he was like 15,” Gansey said at the time. “The last two years, the strides he’s made have been pretty incredible.”
Niang originally signed with Virtus Bologna shortly after the draft and has spent the past season competing at one of Europe’s highest levels.
Whether he’s ready for the NBA remains to be seen, but Atkinson’s presence in Italy suggests Cleveland continues to view him as an important developmental piece.
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