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Cleveland Cavaliers: 5 burning questions ahead of training camp

By Nathan Beighle

BOSTON, MA - MAY 23: Kevin Love #0 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts in the first half against the Boston Celtics during Game Five of the 2018 NBA Eastern Conference Finals at TD Garden on May 23, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - MAY 23: Kevin Love #0 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts in the first half against the Boston Celtics during Game Five of the 2018 NBA Eastern Conference Finals at TD Garden on May 23, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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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) /

What are realistic expectations for Cedi Osman?

All we’ve seen from Cedi Osman this summer has been excellence.

From the summer league to taking photos with some of the league’s best including LeBron James and Kevin Durant, the 6-foot-8 small forward will be taking high expectations with him into his second professional season.

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His summer league was short, but it did showcase an array of new skills. Osman played the team’s first two games before sitting out the remaining five, giving way to other player’s development.

He averaged 20 points, 8.0 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game which included his trademark defensive intensity, collecting 2.5 steals and 1.0 blocks per game as well. While his percentages dipped from the regular season, Osman’s aggression and contribution were well noted.

On the court, there isn’t much the Turkish phenom can’t do. But, at the same time, there’s isn’t too much that he’s unquestionably above average at either. Playing much of last season alongside James, it’s difficult to predict how he, or any Cavalier, will play without him.

Cedi did play over 60 games last season, and while starting, he did excel. In a nine-game stretch, the only extended stretch which he started, Osman shot over 50% from the field and 45% from downtown, two important metrics for any 23-year-old.

He’s skilled, but he still young and far from his prime. That said, temper expectations for him this season.