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https://www.forbes.com/sites/evanda...osman-is-loved-so-much-by-cavaliers-fans/amp/
Why Cedi Osman Is Loved So Much By Cavaliers Fans
Evan DammarellContributor
With the annual Las Vegas NBA Summer League underway, a lot of basketball fans are getting a look at the future of the league. One player that is generating a ton of buzz, at least in the greater Cleveland area, is Cleveland Cavaliers forward Cedi Osman. More often than not fans
call Osman their son on Twitter and fawn over highlight reels showing his potential. From the moment Osman set foot in The Land, he has quickly become a fan-favorite to all.
To a fan outside of Cleveland sports, it seems a little weird, though. A mop-headed, European forward that is white as a ghost does not look like an NBA player at an initial glance. But on the court, he is a tough-nosed, defensive-minded forward with a sweet three-point shot
much like Kyle Korver’s. In a little over a year, the love for Osman has blossomed into a fever pitch.
What makes Osman so endearing to Cleveland fans is the fact he really feels like a Clevelander. When drafted by the Cavaliers in 2015, Osman was told he would have to wait at least two years to join the team. Unlike most late-draft European prospects, he made it his goal to join the Cavaliers and would root for the team overseas until he could finally wear the uniform. When he got to The Land he was the team’s
biggest cheerleaderand looked a lot the fans in the stands. He is such a big fan
Osman wrote a heartfelt thank you to LeBron James, which the Cavaliers themselves never did.
Speaking of James, with him now with the Los Angeles Lakers, along with Jeff Green also gone, Osman now appears to be the heir apparent to the team’s starting small forward spot. Osman appears ready for the task as he has
openly discussed his desire to step up as a leader for a team entering a rebuilding phase. Studying under James was perfect for Osman, as there is no leader in professional hoops better to learn from.
Having a player like Osman on the roster also may soften the blow of a rebuild for the Cavaliers as a whole. As mentioned before, Cleveland fans love players that give their all like Osman and it would not be surprising to see fans don #16 jerseys next season. The team can also rely on Osman’s hustle and determination to drive some ticket sales to fill the likely-empty Quicken Loans Arena and since his name is pronounced “JED-ee”, the team can do plenty of
Star Warspromotions as well. Plus, that goofy smile is pretty easy to market too.
Much like Obi-Wan Kenobi, Osman is one of Cleveland basketball’s only hopes next season. Unlike last time the team had to go through a major overhaul post-James, they will at least be entertaining thanks to Osman’s hustle and potential. Along with rookie point guard Collin Sexton, Osman has the chance to be the future face of the franchise. With James gone, Cavaliers fans are taking open applications to join the Osman hype train and ride it into the future, which is beyond bright.
Evan Dammarell has been a diehard Cavaliers fan for almost his entire life through their highest point in 2016 to every low point in between. Follow him on Twitter: @AmNotEvan.
