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Cleveland Cavaliers: 3 takeaways from first 3 games

By Ryan Piers

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - OCTOBER 19: Cedi Osman #16 of the Cleveland Cavaliers looks on during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on October 19, 2018 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated the Cavaliers 131-123. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - OCTOBER 19: Cedi Osman #16 of the Cleveland Cavaliers looks on during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on October 19, 2018 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated the Cavaliers 131-123. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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Cleveland Cavaliers
Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images /

1. Young players mixed performances

In season that may waver between a rebuild and attempt at competitiveness depending on the team’s play, Cleveland will constantly monitor the kids. How is the young Cedi Osman doing? Is Rodney Hood actually living up to his perceived potential? Of course, Sexton is one to keep a close eye on.

So far it’s a mixed bag. Starting with the positive, Osman looks like a serious building block. He’s averaging 17.0 points, 5.3 rebounds and 5.3 assists per game. The 23-year-old’s field goal percentage is a steady 45.2 percent while he’s hit 8-of-15 looks from the 3-point line. Osman’s form looks solid here.

https://twitter.com/cavs/status/1053474887501664256

He even offered fans a motivational message.

Hood is a bit of a different story, scoring just 11.7 points, grabbing 2.0 rebounds and dishing out 2.0 assists a contest. His 27.3 minutes per game are below what one would hope, but align with his career averages. He attacked aggressively in the opening half against Toronto, but failed to do so in a poor performance against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Larry Nance Jr. is hampered by injury. Jordan Clarkson is playing well, putting up 17.7 points per game on 53.7 percent shooting. Nwaba isn’t seeing the floor. In his audition for his first ever leading role, Tristan Thompson looks like the steady complementary player he’s always been. The power forward position looks ugly on Sam Dekker. Ante Zizic is plays like he’s a NBA center in the 90s.

Next. Week 2 NBA Power Rankings. dark

Progress is not a vertical line. It will wind with peaks and valleys. So far, the very early results are mixed.

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