Cleveland Cavaliers Select Saliou Niang with No. 58 Pick in 2025 NBA Draft
The Cleveland Cavaliers Draft and Select No. 58 Overall – Saliou Niang from (Aquila Basket Trento)
In the final moments of the 2025 NBA Draft, the Cleveland Cavaliers made a calculated move, selecting Senegalese guard-forward Saliou Niang with the No. 58 overall pick. The 6-foot-6 wing, who played this past season with Aquila Basket Trento in Italy’s Lega Basket Serie A, now becomes the newest addition to a Cavaliers team seeking youth, versatility, and upside as they continue shaping their roster for the future.
Though picked late in the second round, the Cavaliers’ front office has reportedly been eyeing Niang for months, impressed by his high motor, defensive intensity, and flashes of offensive potential in the EuroCup and Italian league play.
A Diamond in the Rough
At just 21 years old, Niang has already developed a reputation as one of the most underrated two-way players in Europe. Known for his long wingspan, elite lateral quickness, and hustle, Niang averaged 9.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.4 steals per game in 2024–25, while shooting a respectable 35.2% from beyond the arc. His ability to guard multiple positions, from point guards to small forwards, caught the attention of scouts across the NBA.
“Saliou Niang is a competitor, and that’s what we loved about him,” Cavaliers GM Koby Altman said after the pick. “He brings energy, defensive tenacity, and the type of work ethic that fits perfectly with our culture here in Cleveland. He may be a late second-rounder, but don’t be surprised if he turns heads quickly.”
From Dakar to Trento to the NBA
Born and raised in Dakar, Senegal, Niang’s basketball journey is a testament to perseverance and global scouting. He moved to France as a teenager to play in a youth academy before eventually signing with Trento in Italy. His breakout year came this past season when he was thrust into a starting role following an injury to a veteran teammate.
“This is a dream come true for me and my family,” Niang said in an emotional post-draft interview. “To go from Senegal to Italy and now to the NBA—it’s incredible. I want to thank the Cavaliers for believing in me, and I’m ready to get to work.”
Niang is expected to participate in the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas this July, where he will have the chance to showcase his skills and earn a training camp invite with the Cavs. The team has yet to confirm whether they will sign him immediately to a rookie contract, stash him in Europe for development, or explore a two-way contract option.
Fit with the Cavaliers
The Cavaliers are coming off a transitional year, highlighted by key roster decisions and playoff ambitions. With a core including Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen, the team is looking to solidify its bench with athletic, defensive-minded players.
Niang could find himself competing for minutes with the likes of Isaac Okoro (if he remains on the roster), Sam Merrill, and Craig Porter Jr. While Niang may not be an immediate impact player, his defensive upside and international experience give Cleveland a low-risk, high-reward option late in the draft.
“You can’t teach what Saliou brings—length, toughness, and defensive IQ,” said a Cavs scout familiar with Niang’s development. “If his shooting continues to improve, he has a real shot to be a rotational player in this league.”
What’s Next?
As the Cavaliers head into free agency and Summer League preparations, all eyes will be on how Niang adjusts to NBA competition. Whether he’s a future rotational gem or a long-term development project, the Cavaliers may have found a hidden talent at pick No. 58.
Only time will tell, but for now, Cleveland fans have a new name to watch: Saliou Niang—a quiet assassin from Trento, ready to make noise in the NBA.
