The Cleveland Cavaliers could have landed a proven off-the-bench scorer and Sixth Man of the Year in Jamal Crawford, but they opted to bring in European prospect Cedi Osman out of Turkey. Osman, the 31st overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft, provides youth and length to a Cavs team that has been trying to form versatile squad that could neutralize Golden State’s potent small-ball lineup.
Osman in Gold-and-Wine
After two more years in the Turkish and European leagues, the 22-year old Osman will be now testing his mettle against the best players in the world.
According to Brian Windhorst of ESPN, the Cavaliers signed Osman to a three-year, $8.3 million deal with 700K of the base salary set to cover the buyout fee for Turkish ball club Anadolu Efes.
Cavs have agreed to sign 2015 draft pick Cedi Osman, sources said. Deal is 3 years, $8.3 million plus about $700,000 going to Euro buyout.
— Brian Windhorst (@WindhorstESPN) July 12, 2017
The Turkish baller is another prototypical flexi-guy who can play multiple positions. At 6-foot-8, 216-pound, Osman is listed as a small forward but he has the ability to play at the shooting guard and point guard spots. The Cavs are apparently hell-bent in forming a roster of versatile players who can defend the pick-and-roll game and stretch the floor.
Jeff Green, who played under Tyronn Lue during their time in Boston, also signed with the Cavs on a one-year, $2.5 million deal. Again, the Cavs are hoping that Green and Osman will help neutralize the Warriors’ small-ball lineup (Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, Andre Iguodala, Kevin Durant and Draymond Green) that capitalizes on opponent’s inability to switch.
3-and-D Project
Former Cavs general manager David Griffin was reportedly very high on Osman as potential 3-and-D player for the Cavaliers before his release. In an April interview with David Zavac of Fear the Sword, Griffin viewed Osman as a prototype 3-and-D guy with the length and mobility to defend wing players and the ability to knock down three-point shots.
"He's not that athletic. He's not that comparatively unguardable [to Goran Dragic]. But he's going to defend and make open jump shots and knows how to play and he's got size," said Griffin, who executed the trade that brought in Osman and Rakeem Christmas from the Minnesota Timberwolves in exchange for Tyrus Jones.
In 35 games, Osman averaged 7.1 points on 40 percent FG shooting (34 percent from 3-point range) with 2.8 rebounds in 18 minutes per game. He’s still pretty much a raw talent as a scorer, but Osman nevertheless possesses the tools to contain Thompson or Steph Curry from jacking up threes. In his first year with the Cavs, Osman is expected to contribute more on the defensive end. However, there’s no denying Osman has that two-way potential in him if properly developed.
Why Osman over Crawford?
Crawford, who was linked to the Cavs before signing with the Wolves, would have given LeBron and company more firepower off the bench, but that isn't what the doctor orders in Cleveland right now. The Cavs need players who can defend the three and pick-and-roll plays, something that Osman brings to the table.
