Cleveland Cavaliers: Osman praise by opponents will be common theme

The Cleveland Cavaliers know they have a player that could be a cornerstone piece in Cedi Osman, and you’ll see opponents praise him often this year.

The Cleveland Cavaliers knew Cedi Osman was going to come into this year as a focal point for them on both ends of the floor. He’s now going to be the starting small forward in every game, barring injury, and that’s for good reason. He’s played professionally since he was 14 years old, so it’s fair to say the dude can play.

The Cavaliers lost their regular season opener on Wednesday night 116-104 against the Toronto Raptors, and after the game, new Raptor Danny Green had high praise for the Cavaliers’ young wing, per Cavs’ play-by-play man John Michael (h/t Quenton S. Albertie of Cavs Nation).

Osman averaged 3.9 points and 2.0 rebounds in just 11.0 minutes per game last season, and had a PER of 11.0. So, it was probably a bit of a shock for Green to see Osman post 17 points, 10 boards and four assists and play with the pace he did in transition and score going coast-to-coast after getting rebounds.

Osman hit both of his three-point attempts, too, and he’s going to show this type of all-around offensive ability (and defensive versatility as well on the wing and against guards) in most games.

Head coach Tyronn Lue will feature Osman more and more in the near future, which will lead to comments from opponents like Green’s above more and more as the season progresses.

The previously mentioned Albertie (who was our site expert for a really long time and we love reading by the way) compared Osman to an ex-teammate of Green, long-time San Antonio Spurs’ playmaker Manu Ginobili.

Albertie stated with his upward career trajectory, “Osman has the potential to be Ginobili-like, if he can continue his offensive development, as a matter of fact.”

I’m not sure if Osman can be exactly like Ginobili, who was one of the more creative players and clutch performers in the history of the league, but Osman is a player that will definitely make his presence felt for a long time.

Osman has really good feel for scoring and passing as a pick-and-roll ball-handler, is an instinctive on and off-ball defender and is going to be an efficient rebounder.

This sort of praise from other teams’ players like Green and coaches on other teams will be a common thing this season and going forward. Number 16 jerseys will be everywhere around Northeast Ohio soon; trust me on that.