King James Gospel
Fansided

Taurean Prince is a legitimate comparison for Cedi Osman next season

By Joseph Brett

CLEVELAND, OH - MARCH 5: Stanley Johnson #7 of the Detroit Pistons guards Cedi Osman #16 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second half at Quicken Loans Arena on March 5, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Pistons 112-90. 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. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - MARCH 5: Stanley Johnson #7 of the Detroit Pistons guards Cedi Osman #16 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second half at Quicken Loans Arena on March 5, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Pistons 112-90. 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. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 3
Next
CLEVELAND, OH – JUNE 08: Cedi Osman #16 of the Cleveland Cavaliers defends a shot by Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors during Game Four of the 2018 NBA Finals at Quicken Loans Arena on June 8, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. 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. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH – JUNE 08: Cedi Osman #16 of the Cleveland Cavaliers defends a shot by Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors during Game Four of the 2018 NBA Finals at Quicken Loans Arena on June 8, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. 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. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

Defensive versatility

Both Osman and Prince came into the league with a great defensive pedigree.

They’ve shown throughout their careers that they’re scrappy defenders who work hard on every play and both had over 1.6 steals per 100 possessions in their rookie year.

Osman (6-foot-8, 210 pounds) and Prince (6-foot-8, 220 pounds) both have the frame needed to defend the both the two and three as well as some small-ball fours.

This is a necessary skill in the modern NBA and key for a player’s ability to stay on the floor in the Playoffs. With so many teams running offensive schemes revolving around the high pick-and-roll or actions related to it such as “Pistol” or “Horns,” the ability to switch on to the ball handler is a necessity.

Osman, who averaged 6.4 rebounds per 36 minutes, and Prince (5.8 rebounds per 36 minutes) bring rebounding to a defensive possession as well.

They have shown the determination to end defensive possessions with a defensive rebound, a skill important for any team as the rebounding battle many times determines the outcome of the game. Rebounding is a defensive skill will allow both players to impact the game on both ends of the floor, as well as stay in the game no matter how high-pressure the playoff moment is.