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"Leg grabber", Georges Niang, getting Finkel-like flak from Celtics fans

 Remember Hank Finkel, the tall guy that tried to replace Bill Russell after Russ retired. Finkel did his best to fill the gap bwtween Big Bill's retirement and Dave Cowens' arrival in Beantown, but other than size (7-feet) and a decent ability to rebound the ball, his limited production in the 1969=70 season drew undeserved criticism from the Boston faithful. To be kind, Hank's athleticism left something to be desired.


Now comes Georges Niang, sent to Boston in a trade that sent Kristaps Porzingis packing. And the Finkel Flak has started.

Is the leg-grabbing incident involving Jaylen Brown /the initiator of the whining? Could be, but as with "High Henry" Finkel, some fans may see Niang as poor compensation for the loss of Porzingis. That is not his fault. 

In the mid-70s, as a backup to Cowens in the center spot, Hank became somewhat of a fan favorite in Boston. Niang, if he is not traded, could end up with the same outcome. He is primarily a 3-point marksman, hitting close to 40% (.399) ffrom distance for his vagabond career. And he is a local guy, born in Lawrence, Massachusetts. He should be treated with a level of kindness, despite his altercation with Brown and the unfortunate fact he was brought in as compensation for the loss of a very-productive star.

 


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