Sometimes forgotten on the bench, Cedi Osman sends messages to his coach

He is not in the situation of an Evan Fournier or one of the Hernangomez brothers, but Cedi Osman is struggling to find his place in the Cavaliers rotation this season. The team is very ambitious, and the arrival of Donovan Mitchell has changed the rotations of JB Bickerstaff, and especially the distribution of “ticket shoots”.

The Turk finds himself 8th or 9th man and it’s a real regression for him. Friday, in a two-time game against the Hornets, he played only 7 minutes, played only in the first half. Author of a zero point, he thus remained seated throughout the second half, and during the two extensions.

Two nights later, in the easy victory against the Heat, he signed the best game of the season with 20 points (season record) and 12 rebounds (career record) and a +/- of +39! Tonight, rebelote with 23 points against the Hawks. Caris LeVert is out, Kevin Love is playing with a broken right thumb, and Cedi Osman took his chance.

A contagious energy

“He was ready to play. That’s what I’m going to say” reacts Bickerstaff. “He’s one of those guys we depend on for his spirit and his energy, and we know how much he pulls us up. Friday night (against the Hornets), he hadn’t played much and I think he wanted to show that he was going to take advantage of his minutes. »

For Isaac Okoro, Cedi Osman is “ electric“. “When it’s hot, it’s boiling” adds the full-back about his teammate. “We saw it in the second half. When he gets a 3-pointer, he doesn’t just get one… He got three in a row, and it’s contagious. He started flying balloons, creating for others. When he brings that energy, it’s just contagious. »

Among the players who support him is Donovan Mitchell, and he shares what he said to his comrade after the victory obtained against the Heat. “I told him that the most important thing was to continue to be aggressive. Personally, I’ve never been in this situation where we play some games and others not… So I can’t imagine it. I can’t imagine dealing with fluctuations like that. But I said to him, ‘In the end, we all trust you. You will do positive things. You will do negative things. But continue to be aggressive on both sides of the pitch. »

“A spark”, “a spark plug”…

Tonight, Cedi Osman followed up with another 20+ point game, and this time it’s Darius Garland congratulating him and supports him. “His confidence is growing. He has playing time and he takes advantage of it. He makes the most of his minutes. He is very effective in the field. He fights on both sides. It’s something we need, like a spark. We are happy that he is in a good state of mind at the moment. We just need him to stay that way and bring that energy every night for us. »

For JB Bickerstaff, the situation of Cedi Osman “ is not easy » but he thanks him for always answering present.

“We had talked before the game about how the guys want to be here and be part of the project. When your moment arrives, you have to give the best of yourself and Cedi is one more example. He wants to be part of this team. He wants to help. He wants to be on the field. When we call on him, he will give us everything he has and it is to his credit. It’s a spark plug. He exudes a weird energy that players and fans love. I saw a difference in his approach this year in difficult times. I think it’s a form of progression for him. Accepting and realizing who you are, sacrificing yourself for something bigger than yourself, but when your number is called, be ready. »

In the end, Cedi Osman does not want to make waves. He’s doing his job, trying to stay positive. “Every time I’m called upon, I’ll be ready and I’ll try to bring the best to the team. I’m glad I was able to do that tonight and hopefully every other night. I know that when I bring energy I can help the team, that’s why I have to stay ready. Staying positive is the only thing I can control. »