Just after halftime of Tuesday’s game against the Wizards, Cavs forward Cedi Osman learned that he will be participating in this season’s Rising Stars Challenge during All-Star weekend.
“I’m really happy,” Osman told The Athletic after Tuesday’s game. “It’s going to be a great experience being at All-Star and being on the floor with all those great players. I can’t wait. It will be fun.”
Osman, now 23 years of age, is certainly deserving of this recognition. The level of progression he’s shown in a relatively short period of time is evident, especially in recent games.
Cavs head coach Larry Drew says Cedi deserves this honor:
“I think it’s well deserved,” Drew said of Osman’s selection. “I think it’s a big step for him and it’s a big step for this organization. Cedi is a part of this future. As he continues to grow, he continues to develop, he has a chance to be a really special player.”
Osman has made 50 appearances with the Cavs this season (49 starts), racking up averages of 12.7 points on 42.2 percent shooting from the field (32.6 percent from beyond the arc), 4.7 rebounds, 2.2 assists and just under one steal (0.8) in 31.9 minutes per outing.
Osman logged 36 minutes in Tuesday’s 116-113 victory over the Wizards, scoring 26 points on 10-of-16 shooting from the field (4-of-8 from downtown), seven assists, five rebounds, two steals and one block.
Jordan Clarkson, who led the Cavs in scoring against the Wizards with 28 points, had high praise for Osman’s development after Tuesday’s game.
Osman and the Cavs will look to extend their two-game winning streak on Saturday, when they’ll welcome the Dallas Mavericks to Quicken Loans Arena. Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m. ET.