Cedi Osman believes the Cavaliers will “definitely” be contenders in the Eastern Conference following the trade for Donovan Mitchell, writes Edvinas Jablonskis of BasketNews. Osman commented on the deal in a press conference at EuroBasket, where he scored 25 points in today’s win over Bulgaria.
“Obviously, it’s a great addition to the team,” he said. “I believe that everybody [in the organization] is excited.”
With Mitchell and Darius Garland in the backcourt and Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley up front, Cleveland has four set starters heading into training camp. Osman, who had been a starter before transitioning to a reserve role over the past two seasons, will be in contention to join them.
There’s more from the Central Division:
- Also taking part in EuroBasket is Pacers center Goga Bitadze, who is hoping for an increased role this season following the trade of Domantas Sabonis, per Tony East of Forbes. Bitadze hasn’t played more than 54 games in any of his three years with Indiana, and with Myles Turner still on hand, along with Jalen Smith, Isaiah Jackson, Oshae Brissett, Terry Taylor and Daniel Theis, Bitadze will still be in a fight for playing time. “It takes reps, it just takes playing in live games,” Bitadze said when asked what’s needed to improve as a player.
- Cade Cunningham is hoping to take the next step after the most exciting season from any Pistons rookie since Grant Hill, states Keith Langlois of NBA.com. Cunningham was torrid after the All-Star break — averaging 21.0 points, 5.8 rebounds and 6.4 assists per night — and Langlois believes he’ll be in All-Star contention if he can continue that production this season.
- The Cavaliers’ acquisition of Mitchell may push the Bulls down another notch in the Eastern Conference playoff race, according to K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago. After injuries led to a late fade last season, Chicago is counting on renewed health to advance past the first round of the playoffs, but it may not be enough considering the improved competition. Johnson cites the Celtics, Bucks, Sixers, Heat and Nets as the top teams in the East and says the Bulls will be fighting with the Cavs, Raptors and Hawks to avoid the play-in tournament.
As a bulls fan, and reading the number on the luxury tax payout next year, I think the bulls are what they are and the team will change on a much higher level next offseason than it did offseason, the East is gonna be a beast this year, cannot wait for the season but I’m scared of all of your squads except the knicks magic pistons pacers
Yeah, East is a Beast this upcoming season, and we are now starting to see alot more parity around the NBA.
This isn’t the old LeBron cake walks his way to the finals East teams anymore. These teams are legit, well-rounded, and they almost all have deep rosters with quality players ready to step in when called upon.
I’m rooting for my team, the Bulls, but unless Lonzo is healthy, they’re looking like a probably play-in team..
OKORO showed improvements over his rookie season but although inconsistent, Osman does more good things to help his team offensively and offense is what we are lacking overall. I would like to see some combo of the two together. No interest in seeing Levert there. Without Rubin my guess is he’ll be the primary backup guard.
Osman should wonder if he b will make the roster this b year…
Anybody paying attention to Osman’s performance in EuroBasket has to wonder why he can’t be more impactful in the NBA. He’ll be working this year mostly with the Cavs 2nd unit, and needs to find consistency.
I’m a big Okoro fan. Imo he’s got 2way star potential. Don’t give up on him yet. Plus to me he’s a perfect fit with the two bigs. 21 yrs old, be patient Cavs fans.
Osman is definitely a dark horse to start at 3 as he could be the jack of all trades glue guy to fill the rotation of all stars.