- Why the Cavs Would Have Made the Playoffs This Year With a Healthy Kevin Love
- Former Cavs Assistant Coach Hilariously Details Story of J.R. Smith Throwing Soup at Him
- Report: Cavs Teammates Were Rolling Their Eyes at Cedi Osman Early in the Season
- Isaiah Thomas Says Celtics Would Have Won Title If He Had Never Been Traded to Cavs
- Collin Sexton Credits Cavs Teammates After Reaching 6th Straight 23-Point Game
- Channing Frye Explains Why Detroit Pistons Are Going to Be Dangerous in Playoffs
- Dan Gilbert, Larry Drew, and Channing Frye Offer Huge Praise for Collin Sexton
- Report: Kevin Love Questionable vs. Detroit Pistons With New Injury
- Cedi Osman Sends Message to Team USA Amid FIBA World Cup Match
- Kyrie Irving Says LeBron James Was ‘Thirsty for Rebounds’ With Cavs
Report: Cedi Osman to Be Given Huge Responsibility for Cavs This Season
- Updated: October 8, 2018
Second-year forward Cedi Osman was already scheduled to see an increased role in the Cleveland Cavaliers‘ lineup after LeBron James left in free agency during the summer.
It now appears that Cavs head coach Tyronn Lue is counting on Osman to be one of the primary aspects of the team’s defense.
Ty Lue says Cedi Osman will be the team’s primary wing defender this season. Even when Rodney Hood (ankle) is back, it will be Osman given the role of thwarting the Victor Oladipos of the world.
— Scott @ WFNY (@WFNYScott) October 8, 2018
Osman has started each of the Cavaliers’ first three preseason contests in James’ old small forward spot. During his first season last year, he offered the team a player who was strong fundamentally and simply needed time to develop in order to make his mark. Along the way, he offered hints that his defensive capabilities would be an asset for a Cavs team that struggled on that side of the ball.
Rodney Hood is another player that’s looking to make an impact this year, though that largely stems from the fact that he can be an unrestricted free agent after the season. Throughout his NBA career, he’s had problems with consistency, but does have defensive skills to contribute. He may also see some time at forward during the campaign.
With that first season under his belt and the Cavaliers having reduced expectations this year, the pressure on Osman to deliver is lowered. That can only help him broaden his defensive skills, which will help slightly blunt the impact of the team having to deal with James’ absence for the year ahead.
Comments
Related Posts
About Brad Sullivan
You must be logged in to post a comment Login