For the first time since 2013, the Cleveland Cavaliers enter a season with a starting small forward not named LeBron James.
And while Cedi Osman may not be fit for a crown just yet, the second-year forward is already off to a strong start in the Cavs' 2018-19 season debut.
Filling -- or at least trying to fill -- the void left by James in the Cleveland starting lineup, Osman scored 7 points and grabbed 2 rebounds in the first 8 minutes of the Cavs' season opener against the Toronto Raptors. Although he showed newfound range with an early 3-point make, his most memorable basket came when he stole an errant pass from Kawhi Leonard and proceeded to dribble the ball the length of the court before making a driving layup.
Osman's energetic play is exactly what the Cavs will be relying on this season as they move from Eastern Conference favorites to merely fighting for a playoff spot. The 6-foot-8 Turkey native will be a big part of Cleveland's newfound youth movement and could stand to benefit most from the opportunity afforded following James' departure.
"He has great potential," Cavs head coach Tyronn Lue said last month of Osman, who averaged 9.2 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.0 assists in the 12 games he started last season. "I think you saw that last year when he had his chance to play consistent minutes."
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