Cedi Osman has had a fortunate start to his career in the National Basketball Association. After being scouted by the Cleveland Cavaliers for a few years while he played on European teams including the Anadolu Efes and Pertevinyal, the Cavs decided to sign him to a contract before last season started. With much scrutiny about his game, and how the star of Turkey will do under the big lights and up against the highest of competition in the USA, he shined.

In his rookie season under the veteran leadership of players like LeBron James and Kevin Love, Osman averaged just 4 points, 2 rebounds and 1 assist in 61 games and 11 minutes per game.

But it wasn’t the statistics that had people’s attention, rather the mental growth of the young Turkish star becoming a starter on the Cavaliers team as they head into the 2018-19 season without Hall of Famer, LeBron James.

Cedi Osman is visually a lot more confident heading into his second season in the league. He has learned a lot about the league already and is looking to continue improving his game for the benefit of his team. And someone who has had a huge impact on Osman and helped him to learn the ropes as he was a rookie in the league was none other than King James.

Osman and James formed a close friendship in just one year together and they have been seen working out together this summer with other superstars like Kawhi Leonard and Kevin Durant, who both have been involved in rumors of teaming up with LeBron in Los Angeles.

Osman has made sure to keep his relationship with LeBron close, and he spoke about it recently.

Cedi wants to stay in touch with King James

LeBron James will be rocking a purple and yellow jersey this season rather than the wine and gold that we are used to seeing him in, as he recently signed a four year deal with the Lakers.

But that didn’t bother Osman too much as he understands the business side of basketball and is appreciative of just the one year spent with the King. Joe Vardon of Cleveland.com asked Cedi Osman about his current relationship with LeBron, to which he responded:

“I always text him because I have a good relationship with him, and I have to keep that relationship alive, even if he’s gone.

He knows I’ve been working hard and he said he’s excited to see what I’m going to do this year.”

He can only get better

For the 23-year old Turkish star, he has spent his recent years in the spotlight of Turkey, becoming one of the best players in their country. But the change to the NBA is a huge one, especially as he spent a lot of time watching the games from the bench. But working out with some of the best players in the league and staying in touch with the single greatest player in the world today, we should see nothing but progression from the Cavaliers forward who likely will flourish in a larger role on the Cavs team without LeBron in town anymore.