Admittedly, I’ve been critical of Cedi Osman in recent seasons for the Cleveland Cavaliers, for the ups and downs he’s had, and in his last season as a starter, he seemingly disappeared at times for stretches.
In his move to a bench role last season, it was a forgettable season for Osman, also, and while the year prior he hit 38.3 percent from three-point land, he connected on only 30.6 percent of his threes in 2020-21.
Now, I acknowledge that there was a role change for Osman, in moving to the bench mostly, and at times because of injury, he even had to fill a de facto primary playmaking role. I thought Osman did solid as a passer last season, and that’s an area of his game I’ve been pleased with, typically, though. But you don’t want that to be the case a ton of the time.
That said, in this season, with Osman having a defined role, much more as a player that’s a rotational wing shooter off-the-catch, in particular, and to provide energy, it’s evident he’s far better off.
Osman has rebounded from a tough past season, to his credit, too, and has had 11.8 points per outing, and most notably, has hit 43.5 percent of his 5.9 three-point attempts per game off the bench.
Furthermore, after Osman had 23 points, including 12 in the fourth quarter, in Cleveland’s close loss to the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday, Cavs head coach J.B. Bickerstaff mentioned how Osman has given the team a spark, and that he’s really gotten it done. That’s been largely due to him this season having a defined role as a bench shooter, in Bickerstaff’s opinion, via Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com.
Here was more on what Bickerstaff expressed postgame on Wednesday, after Fedor noted how each player has a few words laying out their roles in their locker, for background prior to this quote.
"“His role is to be a spark off the bench,” J.B. Bickerstaff told cleveland.com following the Cleveland Cavaliers’ 120-115 loss against the Phoenix Suns. “Take and make open shots and facilitate when the defense dictates it. We’ve tried our best to simplify his role. He’s bought into the team and he’s trying to do what’s best for the group. He’s become a star in his role.”"
Fedor also stated how “Bickerstaff took responsibility” for Osman’s struggles last season, regarding the role inconsistency.
Granted, with Osman having been in Year 4, he’s culpable for much of that, in my opinion, but the sentiment from Bickerstaff of late for him was warranted.
Cavs: Bickerstaff rightfully gave Osman his praise for the spark he’s provided.
As we’ve laid out, Osman has rebounded well so far this season, and of course, the clarity for him has been a key reason why.
Osman has given this Cleveland team a lift in bench minutes, and with the team very banged up of late, although they’re getting healthier recently, that I don’t discount.
He helped will the Cavs back in that Phoenix game, and while he was out the prior two contests to that due to back spasms, he aided Cleveland’s efforts last week, albeit in losses with them shorthanded.
Either way, he had a season-high 26 points last Monday versus the Boston Celtics, and in his last five appearances, he’s averaged 17.2 points and connected on 43.2 percent from three on 7.4 attempts in 26.2 minutes per game. He deserves his credit.
Now, I know this is a new season, and Osman has given the Cavaliers punch off the bench, and as Fedor mentioned in his report/piece, Osman is in a good place and is comfortable.
But, though this might be harsh, with the ups and downs Osman has had throughout his tenure with the Cavs, I have to still say I am expecting the shooting splits from Cedi to come down.
The clarity and the playmaking presence in bench minutes of Ricky Rubio has helped, I get that. I just do objectively hold my breath with Osman.
Maybe I’ll end up being wrong, however, and Osman keeps building on his recent success. Regardless, I applaud his effort level when he’s in off the bench, and it is evident that currently, the 26-year-old is in a great place.
Props to you, Cedi.