During the past basketball season, Cavaliers’ rookie Cedi Osman became something of a fan favorite. His smile and energy attracted fans of the wine and gold to him.
He played with joy and seemed to be thrilled to be in the NBA, a stark contrast to many who feel the league is better because they are in it.
Some in the media treated him like a mascot, a cuddly toy that the other players on the team liked to squeeze after games.
In the 70’s, fans knew when the game was in hand when coach Bill Fitch put former Ohio State big man Luke Witte in the game. He was a crowd favorite because he was a former Buckeye, but it was enhanced by his becoming a human victory cigar.
That’s how some in town view Osman. He’s a good kid, but something of a novelty.
The reality is Cedi Osman can play basketball, and he will be one of the better players on this year’s edition of the Cleveland Cavaliers.
This is not to suggest Osman will be an all star or god forbid, replace LeBron James’ production for the Cavs. But he’s not a good luck charm for the wine and gold, nor should he be considered everyone’s “little buddy”.
His shot was not consistent last year, but watching him in the NBA Summer League, you can tell that he worked on his shot with Kyle Korver, a shooting guru with tremendous success in his career.
What he can do, is get to the basket and he is very athletic so he can be disruptive on the defensive end of the floor. And if he can improve his long range shooting, it will allow him to be able to get to the hoop even more.
In our opinion, the best thing about Osman, and this was pointed out by LeBron James, is that since he was playing in the Euroleague since the age of 18, he is not afraid or intimidated by playing in the NBA.
We have stated this before, but after the trading deadline deals, the rookie had a stretch where he was getting 15 or more minutes per night, and he averaged almost 9 points and 3.5 rebounds per game.
That was a stretch of 11 games, and the Cavs were 8-3. After he injured his hip, he never really got back in coach Tyronn Lue’s rotation.
The other thing we noticed, besides his energy and enthusiasm, was he is in the right spot on the floor to come up with rebounds and loose balls. That’s instinctual, maybe players never develop this skill.
He also played the right way when he did get a chance. The most field goal attempts he took all season long was 11 in a 22 point win over Detroit in March. Many rookies feel the need to put points on the board when they get in, Osman played unselfishly.
We also like the attitude of Osman and rookie first round pick Collin Sexton, who both seem to want the responsibility of being leaders. This year’s team, without James will need that.
Again, we aren’t saying Cedi Osman is going to make the All-Star team next season, but he can be a big factor for the 2018-19 Cleveland Cavaliers. He brings more to the table than being a likeable end of the bench player.
JK
Cleveland Sports Perspective 