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Cleveland Cavaliers: The rise of Cedi Osman

By Tony Pesta

LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 9: Cedi Osman #16 of the Cleveland Cavaliers goes to the basket against the Indiana Pacers during the 2018 Las Vegas Summer League on July 9, 2018 at the Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Bart Young/NBAE via Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 9: Cedi Osman #16 of the Cleveland Cavaliers goes to the basket against the Indiana Pacers during the 2018 Las Vegas Summer League on July 9, 2018 at the Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Bart Young/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Cedi Osman has been the standout star for the Cleveland Cavaliers during the Las Vegas Summer League.

The Cleveland Cavaliers may have found themselves a hidden gem in Cedi Osman. While hardcore Cleveland Cavalier fans already know who Osman is, many other fans don’t. His elevated play this season could shock a lot of people. So, who exactly is Cedi Osman?

Osman has actually been in the spotlight for awhile. In 2011, the Jordan Brand Classic International selected Osman to participate in their annual game. This is a game where the best teenage players across the globe come to compete. Other international stars such as Andrew Wiggins and Mario Hezonja joined Osman.

In the 2015 NBA Draft, the Minnesota Timberwolves selected Osman 31st overall. However, the Cleveland Cavaliers quickly sent over Tyus Jones in return for the draft rights to Osman. Despite being drafted in 2015, Osman continued to play overseas for two more years.

In the 2017-18 NBA season, Osman finally made his first NBA appearance. Osman only played a small number of minutes and did not have much time to shine. However, Osman finally got his opportunity in the 43rd game of the season against the Atlanta Hawks. Osman played 38 minutes, scored 16 points on 66% shooting, had six rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals.

The Cleveland Cavaliers continued to give Osman short minutes. Still, Osman entered every game with an abundance of energy.  Even when he wasn’t on the court, Osman was enthusiastic. Osman was often the most hyped up player on the bench.

Fast forward to the 2017-18 off-season. The Cleveland Cavaliers are preparing for major changes in their upcoming season. With the loss of LeBron James, it’s clear the team will be looking for their younger players to step up. This means Osman will be receiving an increased role with the team.

Thus far, Osman has responded well to the challenge. Osman is currently averaging 20 points and 8 rebounds in the Las Vegas Summer league. Osman has proven to have great playmaking ability on the court. It’s clear he has taken inspiration from his peers. Most notably, Osman has changed his shooting form to match Kyle Korver.

At only 23 years of age, Osman has plenty of time to develop. Furthermore, Osman seems to be a very fast learner. He has a winning attitude and has been putting in the work to improve. These are all the attributes of a player with solid potential in the NBA.