Cavs: Stats predictions for current/potential small forwards in 2019-20

2019-20 stats predictions for Osman: 12.2 PPG on 54.9% true shooting, 5.1 RPG, 3.1 APG, 27.2 MPG and 77 games active

I see Osman continuing to grow as an overall player on both ends in 2019-20, and I could see him as a little more efficient when he’s on the floor.

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Last season, as has been often referenced here at KJG, Osman had 13.0 points per game in 2018-19 on 53.6% true shooting, and shot a respectable 34.8% from three-point range (per Basketball Reference).

Just like Sexton, there were ups and downs with Osman (who is 24), but with him thrust into a key offensive role and with him playing with less than great spacing around him with Kevin Love sidelined most of the season with a reported toe injury, Osman’ numbers were really not bad, and should have been encouraging for general manager Koby Altman and the front office.

As is the case with Sexton, though to a lesser degree, I see Osman playing a bit less and his scoring decreasing a bit from last year in 2019-20, because of Love likely being on the floor more taking a few shots away, along with pieces such as Darius Garland.

Conversely, I’d think that Osman’s rebounding and assist totals in his third season will go up a bit even with him likely playing less minutes with Windler and Porter running some at the 3, even though Osman will probably play the 4 some, too, and with Thornwell I’d think getting some run on the wing.

Overall, though, Osman I’d think will have a good year, and maybe if he’s able to play more against his natural matchup defensively against 3’s, he can be less of a defensive liability as he was last season with a defensive rating of 118.8 (per NBA.com), but again, the Cavs’ defense as a team (last in defensive rating) was awful due to inconsistencies with prior assistant coach Mike Longabardi leading the way on that end and that didn’t really help Osman’s cause.

New Cleveland head coach John Beilein‘s motion-oriented offense focused primarily on precise screens should work wonders for Osman, though, offensively, and I’d think Love and still Larry Nance Jr. will make quality feeds to a cutting Osman consistently.