The Cleveland Cavaliers’ season ended in heartbreak as they were humbled by the Golden State Warriors in Game 5 inside Oracle Arena. The Cavs showed admirable fight and spirit to hold onto their crown, but in the end, they were outdone by the more talented team.
As the clock ran out and the final buzzer went, the Cavs left the court with their heads held high. Despite the feeling of defeat still sinking in, it won’t be long until the franchise turns its focus to next season and begin to plan a way to overcome this supremely gifted Warriors team.
Reinforcements will no doubt be required, and one of the players that will likely be added to the roster is promising European prospect Cedi Osman. Osman was the 31st overall selection by the Cavaliers in 2013 but has been playing his basketball for Turkish basketball team Anadolu Efes in the EuroLeague.
His side recently fell to European giants Olympiacos in the EuroLeague playoffs, and it is likely the end of the European development for the promising swing-man, as his heart is firmly set on pursing an NBA career with the former world champions as he discussed with Eurohoops.
“Well, I have my goals. I want to go to the NBA and play there”
Adding to that, Cavs’ GM David Griffin discussed with Fear The Sword his desire to have Osman as a Cavalier.
“Oh yeah, Koby Altman (Cavs Director of Pro Personnel) and our staff have done an amazing job of making him identify himself as a Cav. The kid will tell you he’s a Cleveland Cavalier. When we’ve drafted Goran Dragic in Phoenix he was like my son. This kid is that type of human being. He’s that good of a kid, and about the right things.”
Osman played four years at Anadolu Efes where he averaged 6.7 points, 2.9 rebounds, 0.8 assists and 0.7 steals in 18.1 minutes per game. He shot 41.4% from the field, 35.8% from beyond the arc and 71% from the free throw stripe.
These aren’t jaw-dropping numbers, but the Cavs are most excited about the 22-year old’s upside and defensive potential. The Wine and Gold drafted Osman as a “3 and D” prospect, and his reputation as an intense defender may see him apart of the rotation when he does reach Northeast Ohio.
The addition of Osman could be a breath of fresh air for the future of the Cavs organization, who are in the midst of a championship window, but must also look to the future to ensure they remain as one of the association’s elite teams in years to come.
Look for the Cavs to develop the promising youngster, as Osman may quickly become a familiar face inside Quicken Loans Arena.