Cedi Osman eyes NBA return as Cavaliers consider reunion after EuroBasket success
The Cleveland Cavaliers and Cedi Osman may be on the brink of reuniting, a development that seems both logical and promising. Following a split that saw the Turkish star leave the Cavaliers for the San Antonio Spurs, Osman is now making headlines once again, this time for his standout performances in EuroBasket.
Osman’s impact in EuroBasket
As the captain of the Turkish national team, Osman has emerged as a key player during the EuroBasket tournament. His recent display was nothing short of spectacular. On September 14, he led Turkey’s charge in the EuroBasket final against Germany, putting up 23 points in a tightly contested 88-83 loss. Osman showcased his shooting prowess, connecting on 7-of-13 attempts from the field and hitting 6-of-9 from beyond the arc. While Turkey fell short of the championship, Osman’s contributions throughout the tournament shone brightly.
However, the journey wasn’t without its challenges. In the quarterfinals against Poland, Osman endured an injury that cast doubt on his ability to compete in the semifinal and final rounds. Despite the pain, he demonstrated remarkable resilience. In the semifinal matchup against Greece, he scored 17 points, while also contributing three rebounds, two assists, and two steals. His determination to lead his team despite not being at full strength speaks volumes about his character. “I felt pain, I wasn’t at 100%, but I didn’t want to leave my team alone as the captain,” Osman reflected. “In games like this, you have to play, there’s no other option.”
A consistent performer on the court
Osman’s tenacity is not a new development. The 30-year-old forward has consistently shown his ability to perform at a high level. During his final two seasons in the NBA, he played over 70 games each year. In his last season with the Cavaliers, he averaged 8.7 points, 1.4 assists, and 2.3 rebounds per game—numbers that reflect his reliability. Notably, he shot an impressive 45% from the field on nearly seven attempts per game.
His tenure in the NBA concluded with some of his best shooting statistics, including a remarkable 48% from the field and 39% from three-point range during the 2023-24 season. Even after leaving the league, Osman has maintained his shooting efficiency. In the 2024-25 season, while playing for Panathinaikos in the EuroLeague, he averaged 7.9 points and 2.4 rebounds per game, shooting 44% from the field and 37% from three-point territory.
A potential fit for the Cavaliers
With Osman still in peak basketball shape and having proven himself as a critical asset for both his national team and Panathinaikos, the prospect of an NBA return looms large. The Cavaliers, in particular, could benefit from his experience and skill set. As they navigate the early part of the season without two pivotal members of their rotation, the addition of Osman could provide valuable depth and versatility on both ends of the court.
The reunion narrative between Osman and the Cavaliers is gaining traction, and as the situation develops, fans and analysts alike are eager to see if a long-anticipated return becomes a reality.
