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Cleveland Cavaliers: Can Cedi Osman take his game to the next level?

By Samuel Baum

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) /
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There has been a lot of talks lately in regards to the role of Cleveland Cavaliers forward Cedi Osman this upcoming season.

Cedi Osman had a wonderful summer league in the few games he played in, helping lead the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 2-1 record prior to the tournament’s commencement.

Going back to last year he had several moments where he flashed his full potential and what he can be capable of. But can he put everything together this season without LeBron James?

Cedi was the 31st pick in the 2015 NBA draft. Originally drafted by the Timberwolves, his rights were immediately dealt to the Cleveland Cavaliers. He played overseas in the Turkish BSL and the Euroleague with Anadolu Efes before he ultimately coming to Cleveland.

At 23-years-old, Cedi is the definition of a developmental player. He certainly wasn’t a big name when he came into the league but through opportunities and showing his worth in the G-League he was able to gain some valuable playing time last year.

In the middle of the year, he came up from the G-League and saw some valuable minutes with the Cavs. His best performance was against the Knicks last year in a breakout game where he posted 18 points, 7 assists, and 6 rebounds.

Some people project Cedi as a starter this upcoming year due to all the roster changes that are happening within the Cavs organization.

The opportunity is perfect for Cedi. This season could be the year for him to break out and grow into a starting role.

He certainly has all the attributes to become a starter for the Cavs.

As a 6-foot-8 forward he has the ability to spread the court with his length. He has a respectable shot and from the looks of his summer league performance, it’s only getting better. Shooting 36.8 percent from three, he can even space the court adequately.

He spent limited time in the NBA last year, so this year having a full season to play will help not only his stats but his skill set to increase significantly.

What Cedi must do is produce consistently on the offensive end, something that the Cavaliers will struggle with this season. They only had two players who averaged double figures, meaning their team didn’t have elite depth like they boasted.

In addition to producing on the offensive end, Cedi must be efficient in doing so. On the defensive end, he has the tenacity, energy and size to cause havoc. Can he do that while playing 25 minutes per game instead of 11 though?

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His reputation of being a hustle player may quickly come to an end and Cedi the star much appear. This could be his breakout season but will he be able to take the heightened pressure?